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Art Galleries in Vancouver

THE 10 BEST Vancouver Art Galleries

Art Galleries in Vancouver

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104 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.


Showing results 1-30 of 104

What travellers are saying

  • veggieluv33
    Marina, CA54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easily the most impactful museum I've ever visited. MOA is not to be missed. I was left in awe, shattered, and hopeful. And while this museum features indigenous cultures, art, and histories of this region, they also have extensive collections from across the globe to learn about, also. I look forward to returning to MOA, as it's going to take many trips to see, read, and learn everything I possibly can-it's remarkable, well done, world-class learning. A must visit when in Vancouver.
    Written 25 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bhaj
    Redmond, WA34 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely small galllery geared to the Haida and Bill Reid
    Art work was nicely spaced in the two floor gallery.
    A nice gift shop of indigenous work
    Written 27 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dennys34
    Giessen, Germany5,894 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mixed Exhibitions, But Not Really on Points Was a lot Focus on The Social problems in Vancouver - i was missing some plain Art
    Written 29 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Iambic
    Vancouver, WA507 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The gallery has a wide range of beautiful and interesting works by indigenous artists. Most works are modern, but there is a small selection of vintage and antique basketry. Works ran the gamut from ceramics to jewelry to sculpture. The prices put works outside of our budget, but if you a collector or just interested in looking, the gallery is well worth a stop while in Gastown.

    (A tip: Don't go toward opening or closing times. We stopped by one day before the scheduled closing time and found the gallery closed. We came back at the scheduled opening time, but had to wait for the staff to arrive and invite us in.)
    Written 19 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lenka K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome place. So many talented people at one place. Able to experience different mediums from multiple artists. Amazing to find original gifts for reasonable price. Once you walk in - you trully feels welcome. I agree totally - "The variety and quality of items they have makes this a fascinating place to support local artists. "
    Perfect location too - now with available parking.
    Written 19 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cristina P
    Valencia, Spain64 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are not an expert in modern art maybe you don’t visit the museum however it’s a good plan in a raining day.
    It was my pleasure to enjoy the exposition of Japanese Murakami - The octopus eats its own leg spending there a great couple of hours.
    Written 18 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susanna S.
    Vancouver, Canada7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The gallery moved back to Vancouver Downtown. It has opened a new location at Canada Place, inside the Pan Pacific Hotel, on the reception level This is the same level where the restaurant and lounge are.
    Written 30 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PookyCake
    Victoria, Canada14,734 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was a little bemused to see the Vancouver Biennale listed as a “thing to do” on TripAdvisor. My befuddlement stems from three points: 1) The Biennale is an organization that promotes and exhibits art in public spaces. They hold a physical office in Vancouver, though I doubt it’s on most peoples’ itineraries; 2) All of the current Biennale-sponsored public art pieces have their own listings on TripAdvisor; and, 3) The TripAdvisor listing for this page speaks specifically to the Ocean Concrete Silos “GIANTS” at Granville Island, which already has its own TripAdvisor page (“Granville Giants Murals”). I realize point #3 is probably just somebody’s silly error, but it does make “Vancouver Biennale” potentially confusing for some. Nevertheless, I’ll take this as an opportunity to talk about the Biennale and its importance in shaping the character of this city. In doing so, I’ll likely mention some of the Biennale’s installations in passing. If you’d like more substantive reviews of individual Biennale public art pieces, please see my separate entries for each on this site.

    Established in 2002, the Vancouver Biennale has as its Mission “exhibit[ing] great art in public space, creating a catalyst for learning, community engagement, dialogue, and social action.” In short, the Biennale – through its public art exhibits – hopes to engage the community and encourage us to think while concomitantly enjoying the art before us. In this way, art isn’t just a beautiful plaything for us to admire; instead, it becomes a space within which we can ponder deep cultural questions and maybe – just maybe – be spurred into action. Consider Jianhua’s “Pillows” from the 2009-2011 Biennale: A series of fibreglass “pillows,” the artist upsets and de-constructs the meaning of “pillow” from soft, warm and welcoming to a cold, hard and impersonal object. In doing so, Jianhua encourages us to more closely examine “the everyday” for new meanings and insights. “Pillows” was a quirky installation at Harbour Green Park, but it captured the essence of the Vancouver Biennale quite aptly.

    Because the Biennale only uses public space for its exhibits, the artwork is accessible to most anybody. Vancouver is thus transformed into an “Open Air Museum” which, in turn, morphs the city into a massive canvas of sorts where we can all come together and explore, create an inter-communal dialogue, and learn from one another. There are no boundaries; we can use our imaginations and make of the art what we want. “Echoes” at Kits Beach, for example, can simply be a comfortable set of chairs, or they can be modes through which we can communicate and question language constructs. Now that’s deep!

    What I appreciate about the Vancouver Biennale, beyond its (mostly) interesting installations across the city, is the indirect way it encourages us to explore our City of Glass. When I decided to do a “Biennale Walk” of sorts, I started at Point Grey – one of Vancouver’s most affluent neighbourhoods – to view “Vancouver Novel.” Set within the context of a posh neighbourhood, the scrolling text is at once humorous and unsettling. You almost feel like a voyeur standing in front of someone’s private home. From Point Grey, I made my way to Kits Beach (home of “Echoes”) and wandered along the Seawall until I came upon Granville Island (“Giants” and “The Family”). After exploring bustling Granville Island, I continued along the Seawall until I reached Cambie Bridge. Here is where you’ll find the Biennale’s latest installation, “Voxel Bridge,” which combines the physical and digital worlds in a beautiful gestalt. “Vortex” is at nearby Hinge Park, but is a waste of time, in my view. Following an insightful and mind-blowing experience at “Voxel Bridge,” I exited the Seawall and made my way towards the Vancouver Biennale office where I could observe “The STOP.” This piece, which was part of the 2009-2011 Biennale, is an excellent example of why context is important. The STOP was originally installed at Charleson Park and Vanier Park – unsettling and disturbing viewers because of its apparent randomness – but now resides next to the Vancouver Biennale offices, in a small industrial area. In my view, The STOP loses much of its impact because, 1) It’s not in a very high-traffic area; 2) The signs are spaced differently and at least one is somewhat askew; and, 3) The pink colour opposite the word STOP is likely to be missed unless one walks into the small parking lot adjacent the office building . . . okay, I’m rambling. Long story short: The Biennale provided an opportunity to actively explore and engage the city in a unique way – through art and culture.

    The Biennale’s current theme, “re-IMAGE-n,” is timely given our existing milieu. There can be no doubt that the ongoing COVID pandemic has opened serious social cleavages and raised many important questions as a result. Toni Latour’s simple neon sign – “let’s heal the divide” – brings this to our attention and asks us to re-evaluate our attitudes in this time and this place. Likewise, the pandemic has also shifted what “public space” means. Most of us moved online to communicate, work and foster a sense of community; thus, the virtual world becomes our new public space. That’s why installations like Jessica Angel’s “Voxel Bridge” are so important – they point towards new technologies we might use for practical and, indeed, fun purposes. In brief, the current installations push progressivism within an artistic/cultural framework.

    I should note, by way of conclusion, that most works that’re part of the Biennale are typically on exhibit for a period of 2 years. After that, they’re taken down UNLESS somebody generously purchases them and donates back to the city. They then become “legacy” pieces – examples include A-maze-ing Laughter, GIANTS, The Family and Jasper. In brief, some exhibits are time-limited so be sure to see them while you can!

    PS: It’s a shame Chen Wenling’s “Boy Holding a Shark” ended up in purgatory even before installation (nixed?). I would’ve much preferred this piece over his ugly “Proud Youth,” which currently sits along the Seawall near Yaletown.
    Written 21 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beckie D
    121 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This wad a destination gallery for us, in the touristy area of Granville island. The artwork was incredible with a wide range of media and knowledgeable staff. Well worth a visit.
    Written 2 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • view_h0und
    San Francisco, CA26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A charming space on South Granville sells beautiful First Nations art. There is a good range of different items, but overall the selection focuses on quality not quantity. On several visits the owner and staff were gracious and knowledgeable, and both friendly and unobtrusive.
    Written 17 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jacqueline R
    Cork, Ireland672 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My first time visiting and I hope it won’t be my last.

    The artwork on display is exquisite and the two ladies there that day were so passionate and informative about the pieces.

    For me it was the highlight of the trip to Granville Island.
    Written 5 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lin Li
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place with high-quality, exciting exhibtions! One of my favourite in the town! A must go if you love arts or if you are bored and want to find some inspiration
    Written 20 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gareth R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a wonderful place to visit to view superb photography and discuss all aspects of the shots and options available.

    We bought a couple of items and the Grizzlies made it back to the UK safely.
    Written 1 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • McWett
    Las Vegas, NV1,400 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    With all,of the food vendors in the market you might miss this little bit,of Granville Island.

    Nice selection of works by local artists to see and buy.
    Written 16 September 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TallyLassie100
    Atlantic Beach, FL79 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a smaller contemporary art museum that is totally worth a trip if you are at the Anthropology Museum as it is walking distance from it. The exhibits change but you can expect to be exposed to art you have probably never seen or knew existed. For adventurous art lovers who would like to escape the crowds! And it's free!
    Written 20 August 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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