Vancouver Art Gallery
Discover Western Canada's largest art gallery, housed in a stunning heritage courthouse in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
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 out of 5
If you plan to go on the free day, you'll still need to reserve tickets. This wasn't clear to us until we arrived and they were already "sold out". The lady at the ticket desk wasn't able to explain why I needed to reserve tickets when it was free so I had to ask around. Besides this, the exhibits are amazing and the building itself is beautiful.
David Kessler - 2 months ago
I really enjoyed my visit to this art gallery. I went on the first Friday of the month since it was free! We had to wait about an hour in line, so I recommend arriving around 3:15 p.m. because the line gets quite long quite fast. It’s a great indoor activity for a cloudy day, very student-friendly and budget-friendly.
Tomris - 2 months ago
We attended the Christmas festivities at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza this past holiday season and were absolutely charmed. The transformation of the plaza into a festive market and celebration space is nothing short of magical.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with twinkling lights, ferris wheel, a genuinely warm, the perfect spot to soak in the downtown Christmas spirit. Lots of wonderful IG moments.
John Lau - 2 months ago
A great place to pause and reflect! We really loved the interactive exhibition that they had for Nan Goldin, who is a brilliant artist. A beautiful selection of indigenous art throughout the gallery, as well.
Jasmine Filpula - a month ago
🖼️ 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 - 5 months ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Burrard Station | 4 Minutes |
| Canada Line | Vancouver City Centre | 2 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Vancouver Art Gallery:
Photo Gallery
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Vancouver Art Gallery and Centennial Fountain cc licensed photo by Rodefeld -
Photo Credit: Edna Winti - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edna Winti - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Edna Winti - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Shrie Bradford Spangler - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Reg Natarajan - cc license via Flickr
