Vancouver Art Gallery from the Law Courts
Our Guide to Vancouver

Art and Culture: Museums and Galleries to Visit in Vancouver

Art and Culture: Museums and Galleries to Visit in Vancouver

Embark on a cultural journey through Downtown Vancouver's museums and galleries, where each institution offers a captivating exploration of art and heritage. From the iconic Vancouver Art Gallery to the intimate exhibits at the Bill Reid Gallery, these venues provide a perfect escape from rainy days, inviting visitors to discover the city's rich cultural tapestry through diverse collections and immersive experiences.  

Join us as we explore these cultural treasures, perfect for a day of exploration on a rainy Vancouver afternoon. Each of these museums and galleries offers a unique perspective on Vancouver's history, art, culture, and scientific exploration.  

Museum of Vancouver (MOV) 

Museum of Vancouver (MOV)

Photo Source: Guilhem Vellut on Flickr 

The Museum of Vancouver explores the history, culture, and identity of Vancouver through a variety of exhibits and displays. It offers insights into the city's past, present, and future, focusing on social issues, urban development, and cultural diversity. 

Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre  

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a science museum dedicated to astronomy and space exploration. Visitors can learn about the wonders of the universe through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities. 

1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

Vancouver Art Gallery 

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the largest art institutions in Canada, housing a vast collection of artworks from renowned local and international artists. It offers a diverse range of exhibitions, including contemporary, historical, and Indigenous art. 

Address: 750 Hornby St. Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

UBC Museum of Anthropology 

UBC Museum of Anthropology

Photo Source: Jonathan F.V. on Flickr 

The Museum of Anthropology, located at UBC, showcases Indigenous art, artifacts, and cultural objects from around the world. It highlights the rich Indigenous heritage of the Pacific Northwest, with a particular emphasis on the First Nations of British Columbia. 

Temporarily Closed. The Museum is expected to reopen to the public in June 2024.

UBC Vancouver Campus, 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver  
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel

Vancouver Maritime Museum 

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Photo Source: sipierdi on Flickr  

The Vancouver Maritime Museum celebrates the maritime history and heritage of the region. It features exhibits on navigation, shipbuilding, marine exploration, and the coastal environment. The museum is also home to the historic RCMP St. Roch ship. 

1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art 

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

This gallery showcases the works of acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, as well as other contemporary Indigenous artists from the Northwest Coast. It celebrates Indigenous art and culture. 

639 Hornby St, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

Chinatown Storytelling Centre 

Chinatown Storytelling Centre

Photo Source: Chinatown Storytelling Centre website 

The Chinatown Storytelling Centre aims to preserve and share the history, culture, and stories of Vancouver's vibrant Chinatown. It offers guided walking tours and interactive exhibits that explore the neighborhood's rich heritage. 

168 E Pender St, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

Chinese Canadian Museum 

Chinese Canadian Museum

Photo Source: Chinese Canadian Museum website 

The Chinese Canadian Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and contributions of Chinese Canadians in British Columbia. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and stories that reflect the experiences of the Chinese community in the region. 

27 E Pender St, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

Beaty Biodiversity Museum 

UBC Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Photo Source: Beaty Biodiversity Museum on Flickr 

Located at UBC, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum showcases the incredible diversity of life on Earth. It houses extensive collections of specimens, including fossils, insects, plants, and vertebrates, allowing visitors to learn about biodiversity and conservation. 

UBC Vancouver Campus, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre 

Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre

Photo Source: Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre website 

The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre is a museum and resource center that aims to educate the public about the Holocaust. It features exhibits, archives, and educational programs that promote understanding, remembrance, and human rights. 

50–950 West 41st Ave, Vancouver 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel 

Burnaby Heritage Village Museum 

Burnaby Village Museum

Photo Source: Rebecca Bollwitt on Flickr 

Although not located in Vancouver proper, the Burnaby Heritage Village Museum offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life in the region. It is an open-air museum with historic buildings, artifacts, and interpreters showcasing pioneer history. 

6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel

Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre

Photo Source: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre website   

Located in nearby Burnaby, the Nikkei National Museum explores the history and contributions of Japanese Canadians. It preserves and promotes Japanese Canadian heritage and culture. 

6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby 
>> Click here for directions from YWCA Hotel