Exhibition celebrates Sheffield Chinese heritage

A community exhibition in Sheffield is highlighting the history, culture and contributions of the city’s Chinese community through a new long-term display at one of its leading museums.

The Changing Seasons exhibition has opened at Weston Park Museum, marking 170 years of Chinese and East and Southeast Asian heritage in Sheffield. 

The project is part of a wider outreach initiative aimed at strengthening community connections and raising awareness of health and wellbeing issues.

Created with the involvement of multiple generations of Sheffield’s Chinese and British-Chinese community, the exhibition features personal memories, family stories and treasured objects that reflect everyday life and cultural traditions.

The initiative was launched in 2024 and has already connected hundreds of community members while promoting awareness of dementia and support services within the East and Southeast Asian community.

Changing Seasons was developed with support from local partners including Wake Smith Solicitors and representatives from community organisations such as the Sheffield Chinese Community Centre and Sheffield Chinese Association.

The exhibition launch attracted more than 2000 visitors and featured traditional celebrations including a lion dance to coincide with Chinese Lunar New Year.

It was officially opened by Hock-Ann Chia, the deputy lieutenant of South Yorkshire, alongside Safiya Saeed, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, and Kim Streets, chief executive of Sheffield Museums.

Mr Hock-Ann Chia said: “Congratulations to Changing Seasons, your team of people from the community and Weston Park Museum who made this wonderful project a great success. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the well organised and exciting event. 

“We are so glad to see so many people from the community participating in this historic occasion.”

Wake Smith Solicitors’ Stephanie Chung, who helped launch the Changing Seasons initiative, added: “At the heart of the exhibition are treasured memories, photos, and voices from local community members – many of which have been lovingly collected.

“The display showcases the history and stories of the Chinese community in Sheffield from 1855 to the present day. 

“It was created through cross-generation workshops, combining family stories, art, music, and shared meals to highlight care, kindness, and community spirit.

“Our lives are shaped by experiences. 

“Just as the seasons change, so do our cultures, identities, and perspectives. Changing Seasons reflects our journey – growth, evolving identities, and continuity of community life.”

Changing Seasons will remain on display for two years in the Sheffield Life and Times Gallery at Weston Park Museum.

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