The Wing’s Collection: Archiving Chinatown’s Memory Through Objects and Heritage

Explore the remarkable journey of JP Riopel, a professional guide, museologist, and the founder of Objets des Mémoires in Chinatown. Recognized with a medal from the National Assembly, Riopel has been honored for his dedicated efforts in safeguarding the historical memory of Chinatown and contributing significantly to national history.

Gilbert Lee, the owner of the Wings Company, commissioned Jean-Philippe to establish and direct a collection of more than 1000 objects related to the history of the Wings company and Chinatown since the beginning of the 20th century.  This collection is now managed by the Objets des mémoires collective, a museological action group that brings together professionals from the museum and heritage sectors to preserve material heritage at risk of disappearance.