Chinese Canadian Museum Honours Legendary Magician Tony Eng With New Exhibition at Victoria Location
Victoria, B.C. (December 6, 2023) – The Chinese Canadian Museum’s Victoria location is honouring the life of legendary Canadian master magician Tony Eng with the opening of a new exhibition The Magic of Tony Eng. Media are invited to attend a photo opportunity event for the launch of the exhibition, co-presented by the Chinese Canadian Museum and the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society.
Launching Thursday, December 7th, the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and the Chinese Canadian Museum have worked closely with the Eng family to create the exhibition which celebrates the spellbinding magical career of Tony Eng, whose enchanting influence and legacy reached far corners of the world. The exhibition features Tony’s original mandarin’s robe and many items from his bag of tricks.
“The Victoria Chinatown Museum Society is delighted to work with the Chinese Canadian Museum on the installation of ‘The Magic of Tony Eng’,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, Board Chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and Co-Curator of The Magic of Tony Eng. “Tony was a mentor to youth in Victoria and around the world. His magic was more than a routine, it provided a space for us to dream beyond the ordinary. Stories of Victoria Chinese Canadians are important to share.”
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Tony’s fascination with magic began at the age of eight when he received his first magic kit, and then started performing magic shows at age 12. He became a fan favourite when he performed every Sunday at The Japanese Village restaurant for two decades.
Embracing his Chinese Canadian heritage, he created a distinctive show called “Mysteries of the Orient” which he performed in an embroidered mandarin’s robe. His skill and talent made him renowned in the Canadian magic circle where he was known as the “Ambassador of Magic.”
His entrepreneurial skills enabled him to run a successful wholesale business and establish the Premier School of Bartending. He also started up his own Tony's Trick & Joke Shop in Victoria which was a fantasy emporium of wizardry and gadgetry where he inspired and mentored many young up-and-coming magicians for years to come.
“The Chinese Canadian Museum’s purpose is to elevate the stories and voices of Chinese Canadians, enrich social discourse with the meaningful experiences and legacies of Chinese Canadians and engage with diverse communities,” says Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Chinese Canadian Museum.
“This exhibition on Tony Eng at our Victoria location is a shining example of how we celebrate the lives and share the stories of extraordinary Chinese Canadians.”
The Magic of Tony Eng exhibition opens December 7, 2023 at the Chinese Canadian Museum’s Victoria location at #10-14 Fan Tan Alley.
About the Chinese Canadian Museum
The Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia was founded in March 2020 to establish and operate a public museum in British Columbia with a national scope, honouring Chinese Canadian history, contributions, and living heritage. Guided by its mission statement “Connecting to the Chinese Canadian story – addressing inclusion for all”, the Chinese Canadian Museum aspires to provide an invigorating and transformative experience for present and future generations through its exhibitions and programming throughout B.C. and Canada.
The first of its kind in Canada, the Chinese Canadian Museum is located in Vancouver Chinatown, with a second temporary location at Fan Tan Alley in Victoria.