Hollywood star Anna May Wong’s legacy ‘unmasked’ in new exhibit at the Chinese American Museum
The Chinese American Museum in downtown Los Angeles is paying tribute to Asian American Hollywood trailblazer and icon Anna May Wong, through a new exhibit opening this week.
“Unmasking Anna May Wong” is free and open to the public starting Friday, May 24, and the exhibit will run through Jan. 26, 2025.
Wong is regarded as one of the first Chinese American actresses of her time. Despite dealing with racism, sexism, and being typecasted throughout her career, Wong — who lived in L.A.’s Chinatown — starred in over 60 films including silent movies, talkies, television and theater during the 1920s and 30s. Some of her most well-known work includes “Shanghai Express,” “The Flame of Love” and TV program “The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong.”
The multi-room display features film posters and clips, photographs, Wong’s gowns, as well as items from work she did outside of film, officials said. Some of her personal objects include a mahjong set, family photos and a jewelry box — showing the glamorous actor’s life outside of her career.
“We wanted to highlight her life and career. (Wong) was a trailblazer, an early pioneer in Hollywood. She was seen during a time when there was really almost no one else like her,” said Katie Gee Salisbury, co-creator of the exhibit and author of “Not Your China Doll,” a biography about Wong. “So we’re paying homage to her in that sense. This exhibition is really a chance for us to look backwards and see where things started.”
Salisbury said that with the rising success of more Asian and Asian Americans in film and television — she cited actress Michelle Yeoh winning an Oscar in 2023 — it felt like a perfect time to showcase another actor who “had to deal with so many hurdles.”
“2024 is the Year of the Dragon and Wong was born in the Year of the Dragon, so she is a dragon,” said Salisbury. “It’s perfect timing for people to get to know her.”
The Chinese American Museum is located at 425 N. Los Angeles St. in downtown L.A. Tickets are free, but reservations are encouraged at camla.org. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
An opening reception at the museum is set for Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is available at camla.org/annamaywong.