Much of Victoria's art can be enjoyed by taking a leisurely stroll through the downtown core. Galleries display emerging and established Canadian artists in a variety of mediums, including original paintings, sculptures, glassworks, carvings and First Nations art.
Victoria is also home to BC’s largest public art gallery, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Smaller art galleries in Victoria provide the opportunity to interact directly with the artist.
Staying overnight in Victoria? The historic Swans Hotel is billed as a boutique art hotel and features more than 1,600 pieces of original artwork displayed throughout the entire hotel, including works from noted BC artists Roy Henry Vickers, Jack Shadboldt and Toni Onley. The nearby Sooke Harbour House combines an intimate gallery experience with one of the most celebrated restaurant/hotels on Vancouver Island.
Popular Art Galleries
The Royal BC Museum is a visual feast for art lovers. Permanent displays highlight British Columbia’s history, art and culture. Feature exhibits have included works from the British Museum, treasure of Egyptian pharaohs and the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria boasts more than 17,000 art pieces and an extensive collection of artwork by Emily Carr, one of BC’s most influential artists. Other displays include works by the Group of Seven and noted artists such as Jack Shadboldt, Gordon Smith, B.C. Binning and E.J. Hughes.
Another popular Victoria art gallery is Winchester Galleries. Specializing in original Canadian artists, their impressive collection includes the Group of Seven, Goodridge Roberts, Jack Shadbolt, Joseph Plaskett and Molly Lamb Bobak. Winchester Galleries has three locations in Greater Victoria.
Fran Willis Gallery is located in a historic building in Victoria’s Old Town, and is considered the best art exhibition space in Victoria, as it has 5m/17ft ceilings and abundant natural light
Emily Carr House, the restored Victorian-era home of the iconic Canadian artist, is open seasonally for tours. Art displays in the Peoples Gallery vary between Emily Carr's own works and local BC artists.
Aboriginal Art
Victoria's downtown core has many galleries featuring local First Nations artwork, such as prints, carvings and jewellery.
The Royal BC Museum has an impressive array of Aboriginal artwork celebrating the culture and history of BC's First Nations peoples. Impressive totems are part of the permanent displays, and the feature exhibit includes the art and traditions of the Coast Salish First Nations. Thunderbird Park, located next to the museum, features soaring totem poles and a “big house” built by master carver Mungo Martin.
Public Art
Victoria’s pleasant year-round climate provides a perfect opportunity to admire public art on display. There are hundreds of public art displays, ranging from massive sculptures to intricate sidewalk drawings. Buildings are also part of the picture: admire the minute detail and craftsmanship of the stately historic buildings around the city.
Even the streets are turned into canvasses by local artists – visit Bastion Square during the summer; stroll the seawall where artists display their wares and buskers and entertainers perform; or admire the totem poles in Thunderbird Park.
Artistic Neighbourhoods
Many art studios and galleries can be found in Sooke and Metchosin, a short drive from Victoria. This area is one of the richest art trails on Vancouver Island; gallery tour brochures are available from the Sooke Visitor Centre.
Festivals & Events
The Stinking Fish Studio Tour in Sooke and Metchosin (a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria) includes more than 20 studios and galleries. View some of the finest local artwork; the tour takes place each summer. Maps and information about this self-guided tour are available at the Sooke Visitor Centre.