Victoria art galleries provide a feast for the senses.
Much of Victoria's art can be enjoyed by 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, a must-visit for art lovers. Smaller, more intimate galleries 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 over 1,600 pieces of original artwork – including works from noted BC artists Roy Henry Vickers, Jack Shadboldt and Toni Onley - displayed throughout the entire hotel. In nearby Sooke, the Sooke Harbour House also features an intimate gallery experience in 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.
With over 17,000 art pieces, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is BC’s largest public art collection. The gallery features an extensive collection of the works of Emily Carr, one of BC’s most influential artists. Other displays include works by the Group of Seven and other 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 with its 5m/17ft ceilings and abundant natural light is considered the best art exhibition space in Victoria.
Emily Carr House, the restored Victorian-era home of this 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
The downtown core has many galleries featuring the artwork of local First Nations artists. Prints, carvings and jewellery are the most common art forms.
The Royal BC Museum features an impressive array of First Nations art and culture. Impressive totems are part of the permanent displays celebrating the art, culture and history of BC’s First Nations people. 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 the myriad of art on display. Public art displays can be found everywhere: on sidewalks, buildings, doorways, windows, parks and along city streets.
In Victoria even the streets are turned into canvasses by local artists – visit Bastion Square during the summer, or stroll the seawall where artists display their wares and buskers and entertainers perform, or admire the First Nations totems in Thunderbird Park.
There are hundreds of public art displays, ranging from massive sculptures to intricate sidewalk drawings. Even buildings are part of the picture: admire the minute detail and craftsmanship of the stately historic buildings seen all around Victoria.
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. Stay to explore the scenic beaches and trails, visit the world-famous Sooke Harbour House or stay in one of the many B&B’s.
Festivals & Events
Emily Carr Festival of the Arts: Celebrating the life of Emily Carr, a Canadian icon and one of BC’s most influential artists. Emily Carr's paintings blend BC’s landscapes with its rich First Nations history.
Stinking Fish Studio Tour: A 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria lie the communities of Sooke and Metchosin. Explore more than 20 studios and galleries on the tour, which takes place each summer. For more information on local art and artists visit the Sooke Visitor Centre.