5 Murals (and Neighbourhoods) to Visit in Vancouver
Alongside its natural beauty, Vancouver has a vibrant public art scene. With striking designs, often displaying thought-provoking messages, murals reflect diverse communities that call this city home. Vancouver Mural Festival (VMF), a non-profit arts organization, was instrumental in supporting the realization of over 400 murals. Other organizations, like the Punjabi Market Collective and local BIAs, have also been instrumental in partnering to further public art.
Here are 5 murals to check out, as well as tips for the neighbourhoods around them.
The Mural: One of the most important projects of VMF is Blanketing the City, a public art series committed to the process of reconciliation. Blanketing the City IV: Cathedral Square, located downtown close to Gastown, represents the work of Musqueam weaver and designer Debra Sparrow (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), as well as master weavers Chief Janice George (Sḵwxwú7mesh) and Angela George (səlilwətaɬ).
Neighbourhood Tips: The area of downtown around Cathedral Square (566 Richards) has a lot of eateries within walking distance, including Beaucoup Bakery, Ramen Gojiro, Glowbal, and Haifa. The heart of Gastown (e.g., the Steam Clock) is less than a 10-minute walk away, where you’ll find a ton of shops, attractions, and restaurants/bars.
The Mural: This inspirational and statement-making mural (649 Helmcken) is emblematic of the career of iconic artist and advocate Joe Average, who passed away in December. The work was for the McLaren Housing Society of B.C., commissioned by the Downtown Vancouver BIA. The image was first commissioned for the 1994 International Conference on AIDS in Vancouver. The artwork conveys vulnerability but also fierce hope.
Neighbourhood Tips: Fat Mao Noodles is a nearby gem if you’re craving a bowl of comfort. Otherwise, the mural is conveniently located near three key downtown areas to explore: the Granville Entertainment District, Davie Street, and Yaletown.
The Mural: The Present Is a Gift (2539/2549 Main Street), found in Mount Pleasant, is the creation of Drew Young and Jay Senetchko. The work depicts two long-time neighbourhood residents: Paisley Nahanee (Coast Salish) and Dr. Bob Butler, a dedicated optometrist who has since passed away.
Neighbourhood Tips: Because Mount Pleasant has so many murals, you can curate your own mural tour using the VMF app. You’ll also have no shortage of restaurants to visit, such as Tamaly Shop (Mexican), Tocador (Latin cocktail bar), and Superbaba (Middle Eastern). Shops nearby include The Corner Store (streetwear) and Parliament Interiors (furniture).
The Mural: The Golden Land is part of revitalizing work of the historic Punjabi Market led by the non-profit The Punjabi Market Collective (PMC) in partnership with VMF. This mural (6623 Main Street), situated behind a boutique called Riwaaz, was done by artist Guntaj Deep Singh and was curated by Jas Lally. It represents harvest time in a village in Punjab.
Neighbourhood Tips: Punjabi Market, part of the Sunset neighbourhood, has many delicious South Asian eateries, including Himalaya Restaurant and Tandoori Oven. In addition to Riwaaz, there are many other boutiques, such as Bangla Bazar and Nurmahal Fashions and Fabrics, selling sari, fabrics, specialty food products, and jewelry.
The Mural: Commissioned for the Stable House Bistro and South Granville BIA, this mural (Granville Street and West 13th Avenue) is the whimsical creation of artist Ola Volo, who is originally from Kazakhstan and draws inspiration from folklore traditions. The mural brings together the natural world and people as a backdrop for the neighbourhood’s popular public plaza.
Neighbourhood Tips: South Granville is home to two theatres, Pacific Theatre and the Stanley Theatre, restaurants like Gary’s (MICHELIN Bib Gourmand), Sushi Umi, and Saba Foods (Yemeni/Middle Eastern). Shops include Kingdom Jewelry and The Latest Scoop.
Make sure to download the VMF app to find murals all around the city. You can also search for public art via the City of Vancouver.