Film Venue Spotlight: Robson Square / Vancouver Art Gallery

In the winter, Robson Square is home to a free ice rink; in the summer, it sizzles with public salsa and Latin dance parties. But take a closer look: this Arthur Erickson-designed public plaza with the Vancouver Art Gallery at one end and the stately Law Courts at the other may look familiar.

Strike a pose at the Law Courts and recreate scenes from Seth Rogan and James Franco’s scandalous The Interview, where the plaza doubled as a presidential palace (with the help of a little CGI). Wander over to the Art Gallery, which has been used as a shoot location for movies like Night at the Museum and shows like Arrow. In a moment of movie magic, Angel in X-Men: The Last Stand swoops over Robson Square with the Art Gallery in full view and then, seconds later, appears in San Francisco over the Coit Tower (good luck recreating that move). The Gallery can also be glimpsed in the Season 5 finale of Once Upon a Time.

After film touring, relax on the patio of the Gallery Café, a hidden garden oasis complete with classical music and live jazz in the summer; excellent B.C. wines; and a tasty selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and desserts.