Museum of Anthropology
Located at the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) is renowned for its collections of world art and cultures.
Housed in a spectacular building designed by famed Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology (MOA) is a must-see destination. Situated on the cliffs of Point Grey with stunning ocean views, the museum is celebrated for its vast collections, particularly its display of large-scale First Nations poles, carvings, and weavings in the magnificent Great Hall.
Why Visit the Museum of Anthropology?
- World-Class First Nations Art: MOA is home to one of the world's finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art, including massive totem poles, intricate carvings, and ceremonial objects.
- Stunning Architecture: The iconic Arthur Erickson-designed building, inspired by post-and-beam First Nations structures, is a masterpiece in itself, with soaring glass walls that connect the exhibits to the landscape.
- Global Collections: Explore more than 50,000 works from around the world, including ceramics from Europe and textiles from Asia, many of which are accessible in the unique Multiversity Galleries.
- Beautiful Location: The museum's location at UBC offers dramatic views of the sea and mountains, with outdoor exhibits that complement the indoor collections.
What to See & Do
- The Great Hall: Stand in awe of the massive totem poles and house posts displayed in this light-filled space with 15-metre high glass walls.
- Bill Reid's "The Raven and the First Men": Admire this iconic yellow cedar sculpture, a masterpiece of contemporary First Nations art that is depicted on the Canadian $20 bill. - The Multiversity Galleries: Wander through the visible storage galleries, where thousands of objects from around the globe are on display.
- Outdoor Exhibits: Explore the two Haida Houses and totem poles situated outside, overlooking the water.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Allow Plenty of Time: To fully appreciate the vast collections, plan to spend at least two to three hours.
- Take a Guided Tour: Check the museum's schedule for free guided tours, which offer deeper insights into the collections and the stories behind them.
- Explore the UBC Campus: Combine your visit with a walk around the beautiful UBC campus, visit the nearby Nitobe Memorial Garden, or head down to Wreck Beach.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Nitobe Memorial Garden: An authentic Japanese tea and stroll garden, considered one of the best outside of Japan, located a short walk from MOA.
- UBC Botanical Garden: Explore a huge variety of plants from around the world, including the Greenheart TreeWalk canopy walkway.
- Wreck Beach: Vancouver's famous clothing-optional beach is located down a long flight of stairs near the museum.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesMuseum of Anthropology Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
Phone: (604) 827-5932
Official Website: Museum of Anthropology
Museum of Anthropology Reviews
Rated out of 5
Visiting the Museum of Anthropology in British Columbia was a profound and enriching experience. The exhibits, especially those highlighting Indigenous cultures, offered a deep sense of history and identity. I truly felt like I was experiencing another Canada—one rooted in powerful traditions, stories, and resilience.
A must-visit for anyone wanting to connect with the cultural heart of this land.
Roozbeh Aghajari - 2 weeks ago
Fabulous museum, highly recommend. The collection spans the entire world and is beautifully curated and very nicely organized. You could spend days learning from their artifacts.
Matthew Francis - a week ago
A spectacular collection and a world class museum. The First Nations guide who provided a free guided tour March 14 at 3pm did a great job and really enhanced my visit. Gratitude to kind south Asian female security guard who acted like a guide and informed me if, and took me to see the on-site First Nations artists, very cool of them to do that. Took me a couple hours to just scratch the surface of the collection, looking forward to coming back and digging in.
Aidan Mouellic - 2 months ago
Wonderful place to understand the First Nations of Canada. Cultural artifacts of many countries can be seen here. Guided tours also available. Can enjoy the anthropology for hours with comfortable seatings inside. No food or drinks allowed inside and adult ticket is $25. Make sure to buy some souvenirs to make it a memorable visit in BC.
Vishvajith Peiris - 2 months ago
Amazing and deeply moving collection of thousands of years of Canadian Indigenous art, soul, storytelling, sculpture and cultural and spiritual heritage from around the world. So much made from wood, so much of the artist’s spirit, love and intention here. I was moved to get to experience it.
Rebekah Pothaar - a month ago
Directions
| Skytrain and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line -> #99 | Commercial-Broadway | 3 Minutes or 15 Minutes if walking from UBC Bus Exchange |
| Canada Line -> #99 | Broadway-City Hall | 3 Minutes or 15 Minutes if walking from UBC Bus Exchange |
| Millennium Line -> #84 | VCC-Clark | 3 Minutes or 15 Minutes if walking from UBC Bus Exchange |
How to get to Museum of Anthropology by Skytrain and Bus
From VCC-Clark SkyTrain Station on the Millennium Line catch the #84 UBC to its terminus at the UBC bus loop. From Commercial-Broadway Station on the Expo Line or Broadway-City Hall Station on the Canada Line catch the #99 UBC westbound on Broadway to its terminus at the UBC Exchange
Alternatively, from Monday to Friday before 6:30 pm, you can take the #44 UBC from Waterfront or Burrard Station to the UBC Exchange.
After you reach the UBC Transit Exchange you can walk through the campus from the UBC Exchange to the museum (about a 15-minute walk) or wait for bus #68 at Bay 1 and take it to NW Marine Drive at West Mall. From there walk back and cross over NW Marine Drive and to the museum entrance.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Museum of Anthropology:
Photo Gallery
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Native artifacts inside the Museum of Anthropology cc licensed photo by Leoboudv -
Totem poles outside the Museum of Anthropology photo by Arnold C -
Photo Credit: roland - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: colink. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Scarlet Sappho - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Olivier Bruchez - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Scarlet Sappho - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Scarlet Sappho - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: roland - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: roland - cc license via Flickr
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