Victoria, B.C. (December 6, 2023) \u2013 The Chinese Canadian Museum\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s original mandarin\u2019s robe and many items from his bag of tricks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Victoria Chinatown Museum Society is delighted to work with the Chinese Canadian Museum on the installation of \u2018The Magic of Tony Eng\u2019,\u201d says Grace Wong Sneddon, Board Chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society and Co-Curator of The Magic of Tony Eng. \u201cTony 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Tony\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Embracing his Chinese Canadian heritage, he created a distinctive show called \u201cMysteries of the Orient\u201d which he performed in an embroidered mandarin\u2019s robe. His skill and talent made him renowned in the Canadian magic circle where he was known as the \u201cAmbassador of Magic.\u201d <\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chinese Canadian Museum\u2019s 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,\u201d says Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Chinese Canadian Museum. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.\u201d\u00a0
\nThe Magic of Tony Eng exhibition opens December 7, 2023 at the Chinese Canadian Museum\u2019s Victoria location at #10-14 Fan Tan Alley.\u00a0<\/p>\n