The Chinese Culture Foundation (CCF) was founded in 1965 to preserve, promote and influence Chinese art and culture. The Chinese Culture Center (CCC) opened in 1973 as CCF’s primary program site.

In its 45 years of work, CCC has played a pioneering role in introducing Chinese culture to the American public through exhibitions and public programming of a broad spectrum of Chinese traditional and contemporary artistic works in multiple disciplines: Visual Arts, Literature, Music and Theater.

Centrally located between Chinatown and the Financial District, the Center attracts a broad spectrum of audiences from the Chinese community, the city at large, and the greater Bay Area, as well as visitors from across the US and from other countries.  In 2010 over 33,000 visitors engaged in CCC programs.

Visual Arts- The CCC has produced over 100 groundbreaking exhibits that have evolved over time using various modalities, artists, and styles to capture a contemporary pulse.   Today, the CCC features its annual “Xian Rui” (Fresh and Sharp) exhibition, and the “Present Tense” biennial series as well as regular exhibits and seminars open to the public throughout the year.

Public Programs – The CCC’s major annual public program is the Spring Festival Celebration, coinciding with the Lunar New Year. This 2-day event consists of music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and arts and crafts vendors.  CCC also serves as a performing arts presenter, and in its recent history has instated annual musical events, including the Chinatown Music Festival and Winter Concert.

Education - The CCC holds regular language and culture classes on a quarterly basis, and continues to prioritize cultural exchange with China as part of its yearly curriculum. At the center, students can enroll in Mandarin language, music, and art classes, and the center also provides the wider community with opportunities to study martial arts and language in China several times throughout the year.