Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles stands Union Station. Often referred to as the “last of the great train stations,” the Art Deco building not only serves as a bustling transportation hub, but also as a vibrant symbol of the city’s cultural richness.
Looking to continue its excellence, the station is set to commemorate its 85th anniversary Thursday evening, inviting residents and visitors to join in on celebrating the past as they journey through an exhibit of cultural fusion and artistic expression.
One of the main attractions of this celebration is the exhibition “Where You Stand: Chinatown 1880 to 1939,” which not only pays homage to the station’s historical roots but also sheds light on the vibrant culture and heritage of Los Angeles’ original Chinatown.
The launch event for the exhibition is set to feature a dynamic performance of a traditional lion dance by local students from the East Wind Foundation, followed by an exhibition walk-through led by representatives from Metro Art, The Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West, the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, USC Cinema and the Huntington Library. Visitors will hear personal stories from descendants of families connected to the exhibition, as well as view various art pieces that pay homage to the theme.
“There’s different ways to experience the exhibitions,” said Mayen Alcantara, the senior manager for transportation at L.A. Metro who focuses on art and community enrichment. “There’s the visual material, which is photographs and recorded ephemera, like old menus and family stories; there are QR codes, which will bring you to the oral histories; and a QR code that will introduce you to a portal for augmented reality.”
For aspiring artists, the iconic station holds a profound significance. Through various exhibitions, performances and events, Union Station has served as a platform for artists to showcase their talents and for visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of cultural experiences.
“It’s really important to us to be welcoming to everyone, and that includes young people,” said Heidi Zeller, senior manager for cultural programming and communications at L.A. Metro. “And as a public state, our programming, we want it to be easy for anyone to participate, whether it’s just being an observer of whatever the program is, or a participant in a more active way.”
The station’s anniversary celebration will continue later this month with a free screening of “Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life,” followed by a conversation between the artist and L.A.-based writer, Alissa Walker, on Feb. 23.
Additional information can be found on Union Station’s website.