Vancouver Art Gallery

Discover Western Canada's largest art gallery, housed in a stunning heritage courthouse in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver Art Gallery seen from Robson Square
Vancouver Art Gallery seen from Robson Square

Located in a magnificent 1906 heritage courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the cultural heart of the city. The building itself is a work of art, with grand columns and a central dome, but inside you'll find an even greater treasure: a collection of over 12,000 works. As the largest art institution in Western Canada, the gallery is a vital space for British Columbia's artistic community and a premier destination for groundbreaking exhibitions from around the world.

Why Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery?

  • Emily Carr Collection: The gallery holds the most significant collection of works by Emily Carr, one of Canada's most renowned and beloved artists.
  • British Columbia Art: Explore an extensive collection of works by the province's most important historical and contemporary artists.
  • World-Class Exhibitions: In addition to its permanent collection, the gallery hosts a dynamic schedule of touring exhibitions from across Canada and around the globe.
  • Historic Architecture: The gallery is housed in the former provincial courthouse, a stunning neoclassical building that is a landmark in its own right.
  • Central Location: Situated at Robson Square, it's a hub of downtown activity and easily accessible by SkyTrain.

What to See & Do

  • Explore the Permanent Collection: See iconic works by Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, as well as pieces by contemporary BC artists like Jeff Wall.
  • View the Latest Exhibition: Check the gallery's website to see which major national or international exhibition is currently on display.
  • Visit the Gallery Store: Browse a curated selection of books, jewelry, and unique gifts related to art and design.
  • Relax at Robson Square: The gallery's front steps are a popular public gathering place, often hosting markets, protests, and performances. It's a great spot for people-watching.

Food & Drink Options

  • 1931 Gallery Bistro: The gallery's on-site restaurant offers a menu of contemporary bistro fare. Its hidden rooftop patio is one of downtown's best-kept secrets for a coffee or glass of wine on a sunny day.
  • Nearby Restaurants: Being on Robson Street, the gallery is surrounded by a huge variety of cafes, restaurants, and quick-bite options.

Pro Tips & Local Insights

  • Check for Free/By-Donation Nights: The gallery often offers admission by donation on Tuesday evenings. Check their website to confirm current offers and times.
  • Start from the Top: The gallery's layout can be confusing. A good strategy is to take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down.
  • New Gallery Coming Soon: The Vancouver Art Gallery is in the process of building a new, larger home at a nearby site, set to open in the coming years.

Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)

  • Robson Street: Vancouver's premier shopping street is right at the gallery's doorstep.
  • CF Pacific Centre: A major downtown shopping mall is just across the street.
  • Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art: A beautiful gallery dedicated to Indigenous art is just a 3 minute walk north on Hornby Street.


Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes.

Vancouver Art Gallery Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada

Phone: (604) 662-4700

Official Website: Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver Art Gallery Reviews

Rated 4.3 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 🖼️ Exhibits & Experience: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 👉🏻 The Vancouver Art Gallery is a fantastic place to spend a few hours exploring art and culture. The shows are hosted differently from time to time so every visit feels fresh and inspiring. 🎨✨ 💁🏼 Service & Facilities: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 👉🏻 Staff are welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful in guiding visitors through the gallery. The facility is well-maintained, with easy navigation between exhibits, and the gift shop is a great spot to pick up unique art-inspired items. 🛍️ 🍽️ Environment: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 👉🏻 The building itself is historic and impressive, located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The gallery space is calm and well-lit, creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoying art at your own pace. 🌆
大口吃饭的Leo - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating Visiting the art gallery for the first time was a truly wonderful experience. The exhibition featured a wide range of unique art pieces, including beautifully crafted pot sculptures in various styles and designs. I was especially fascinated by the ceramic sculptures, each one showcasing incredible detail and creativity. The gallery also displayed stunning paintings that captured different themes and cultures. Overall, it was an eye-opening experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for diverse forms of art and cultural expressions.
Deepti Mahato - 3 months ago

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3 Star Rating This is a nice gallery to visit if you have a couple of hours to spare while in town. It is a spacious place with exhibitions from different artists. The content changes during the year so it's good to keep an eye on the venue schedule. This venue is centrally located in downtown.
C T - 2 months ago

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2 Star Rating Really wish I had read reviews before visiting this place. Someone else described it as one of the least inspiring art museums and I would strongly agree. What made it so much worse was the fact they closed the main stairs, forcing us in loops to get to tiny back stairs. Then, where there were escalators, half didnt work - so time to backtrack around the building through the depressing exhibits of a single barrel of hay. I understand artists suffer for their art - but must I suffer as well?
K Anthony - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating While I live near and visit Vancouver a lot, I hadn’t been to the Vancouver Art Gallery in almost 20 years. The cost to visit is rather high, given the size of the gallery. As a BC resident it was $29. We spent just over an hour visiting the 4 floors. The up escalators were all out of order at the time of visit, though there was an elevator for accessibility. The exhibits were well presented and maintained, though the building was super warm and lacked air flow. The Emily Carr exhibit was definitely the highlight for me.
Alyssa Becker - 3 months ago

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Directions

SkyTrain Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Expo LineBurrard Station4 Minutes
Canada LineVancouver City Centre2 Minutes

How to get to Vancouver Art Gallery by SkyTrain

No bus needed. From Burrard Station (Expo Line), exit onto Burrard Street and walk one block south to Georgia Street. Turn left and walk one block east to Hornby Street.

From Vancouver City Centre Station (Canada Line), exit onto Georgia Street and walk one block west to Hornby Street.

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