Discover a New Perspective at Vancouver’s Museums and Galleries

One of the best ways to learn about Vancouver is to visit its many museums and galleries. You will discover more about the world we live in, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going. #thisisvancouver

Museum of Anthropology

Head out to the University of British Columbia to visit the Museum of Anthropology. It houses works of art and culture from around the world, with a special emphasis on the First Nations peoples, especially those from the Northwest Coast. The museum is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people and you’ll find works by Musqueam artists displayed prominently.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Located in downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery stretches across three floors in a former courthouse. The permanent collection includes over 12,000 works by Canadian and international artists. The museum displays works from important local artists such as Emily Carr as well as Indigenous Canadian artists like Bill Reid. Starting June 11, the gallery will host an exhibition entitled “Uninvited: Canadian Women Artists in the Modern Movement”, which includes over 200 works dating from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s.

Museum of Vancouver

The motto of the Museum of Vancouver is “Vancouver’s story begins here”. The museum helps visitors deepen their understanding of our city through stories, objects, and shared experiences. A series of connected galleries explain the history of the city from the 1900s through to the 1970s. But to really dive into the culture of Vancouver, visit the themed exhibits to discover stories of Chinese Canadians in BC, marvel at historic neon signs, explore the connection between humans and nature, and relate Indigenous history to the Vancouver of today.

Chinatown Storytelling Centre

Chinese Canadians have been part of Vancouver’s story since the 1880s. Visit the Chinatown Storytelling Centre to explore the history of the Chinese community told through artefacts, photos, and recordings of the people who lived, worked, and played in the Chinatown neighbourhood through the decades. Don’t miss the augmented reality section where you can experience the sights and sounds of Chinatown in the 20th century.

West Coast Curated

To stay up to date with everything artistic going on in Vancouver, check out West Coast Curated. Their comprehensive listings of events, exhibitions, galleries, and profiles of local artists has something for every visitor. It also includes info on events and exhibitions in the surrounding communities of Burnaby, Langley, New Westminster, Vancouver, North Shore, and Whistler.