Art in Vancouver offers a wide range of experiences. Many reputable Vancouver art galleries entice the serious art collector, and public art displays appeal to the art lover in all of us.
Admire British Columbia’s distinct Aboriginal artwork, either on public display or in a gallery setting, such as at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
Popular Art Galleries
The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in a gorgeous, turn-of-the-century heritage building in Vancouver’s downtown core. It offers four floors of display space and houses Canada’s largest collection of Emily Carr's works. A new world-class exhibition is presented every few months. Take an insightful guided tour or explore independently.
Head to the nearby city of New Westminster to tour the unique Van Dop Gallery. Wander through the Van Dop’s contemporary home and garden to view works by more than 100 artists in media ranging from watercolours to metals to fibres.
Aboriginal Art
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art celebrates the work of contemporary Northwest Coast artists, with a focus on the work of master goldsmith, carver and sculptor Bill Reid. Highlights include Reid’s magnificent Mythic Messengers (a large bronze frieze) and many pieces of gold and silver jewellery crafted by Reid.
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia campus is a must-see. Towering totem poles and other masterpieces are beautifully displayed in a large open space with floor to ceiling windows. There are also several pieces outdoors on the museum grounds.
See many works of Aboriginal art at the Vancouver International Airport, including welcome figures, totem poles, and sculptures. Stanley Park is home to a collection of open-air totem poles touted as BC’s most visited attraction.
Several other galleries in the city specialize in Aboriginal art, including galleries in Gastown that focus on works by Inuit artists from Canada’s Arctic.
Artistic Neighbourhoods
One of the best places in Vancouver to revel in original artwork is Granville Island. Explore all kinds of artist studios, many of which allow visitors to watch the artist at work. View glass blowing, printmaking or carving, listen to live music, and even taste artisan sake. The renowned Emily Carr University of Art Design lives here too. Check out one of the university’s three public galleries.
South Granville Rise (on the south side of the Granville Street Bridge) boasts more than 20 galleries and antique shops spread out over just a few blocks. The street is commonly referred to as Gallery Row.
Gastown, the birthplace of Vancouver, is another area with a large number of galleries. Gastown is particularly known for its assortment of Aboriginal art.
Art-focused communities in the suburbs of Vancouver include Port Moody, known as the City of the Arts; New Westminster, home to the acclaimed Van Dop Gallery; and West Vancouver, bursting with specialty boutiques and galleries near the ocean.
Public Art
Among the city’s exciting public art initiatives is the Vancouver Art Gallery’s new Offsite outdoor exhibition space, located at the base of the Shangri-La Hotel. Every six months a new project will be presented highlighting local and international contemporary artists.
The Vancouver International Biennale sees open-air sculpture and New Media displays installed throughout the city for a 22-month period. Some of the world’s most respected artists are featured in this popular event.
Art Festivals & Events
Artist studios are open to the public during a number of festivals around Metro Vancouver. Examples are the Eastside Culture Crawl, a three-day event held in November in Vancouver’s east side, and Doors Open Richmond, a two-day event held in May in Richmond, south of Vancouver.
At other festivals, local artists show their stuff in public spaces. In June, for example, New Westminster’s Moody Park fills with artists and performers for the Arts in the Park festival. Farmers markets are another great place to pick up a locally crafted piece of art.
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