Artefact Collection


Artefacts in the City of Richmond’s 20,000+ artefact collection tell Richmond stories, past and present –- from First Nations baskets, to bog horseshoes and Chinese opera costumes. The Collections mandate is to collect and maintain objects that have historical, social and/or cultural significance to the community of Richmond and contributes to an understanding of the past and present human behaviour, customs, activities, events and institutions. Objects may be used in displays at one of Richmond’s many heritage facilities or to support educational programs.

The Artefact Collection includes objects that:
  • are of lasting significance to the Richmond community; or
  • provide a comprehensive picture of the Olympic movement, the Olympic Games, and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which Richmond helped to host.

Accessing our Collections

We’re working to make the City of Richmond Collection accessible to you. There are currently over 2,000 artefact available to view and more to come!

Search our Artefact Collection

Donate an Object

Community members began collecting artefacts for us more than 50 years ago – and are still the source of most of our donations. If you have any objects you think may help us tell Richmond’s stories, we’d love to hear from you. Each year we receive close to 200 objects from donors like you!

We are currently looking for objects that tell the story of:

  • Our community and the people who live here
  • Richmond’s business community
  • The Vancouver airport (located in Richmond) and the history of flight
  • Horseracing and the history of Richmond’s tracks
  • Communication technologies in Richmond
  • Migration and immigration to Richmond
  • Changing technologies, including gaming systems and cell phones

Contact Information
604-204-8990
artefact@richmond.ca