Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver Art Gallery is a public art museum in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, established in 1931 and housed since 1983 in a converted early-20th-century courthouse. It is one of the region’s primary art institutions with a focus on Canadian and Indigenous art.

The gallery’s main draws are its rotating major exhibitions and its permanent collection. The permanent collection includes an important holding of works by Emily Carr and contemporary Canadian artists, while temporary international exhibitions occupy the main galleries that span several floors. Exhibition schedules and special-ticket shows can greatly affect visitor numbers, especially on weekends.

The gallery originated as a civic art institution in the early 20th century and developed into a public gallery with acquisitions and exhibitions through the mid-20th century. The move into the former courthouse building in 1983 gave it expanded exhibition space and a more prominent downtown location.

The building sits in the heart of Vancouver’s cultural district near Robson Square and the provincial law courts. It is within walking distance of downtown amenities and public transit, making it centrally accessible to visitors.

• Founding and building: The institution was established in 1931 and has been in the downtown former courthouse building since 1983.
• Visiting tip: Best light for photography of the building exterior and the Robson Square steps is late afternoon; major temporary exhibitions can draw queues on weekends.

What to See #

• Main galleries (former courthouse): Housed since 1983 in a converted early-20th-century provincial courthouse, this building contains multiple gallery levels used for temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection.
• Permanent collection: The permanent collection emphasizes Canadian and Indigenous art and includes a notable holding of works by Emily Carr alongside contemporary Canadian artists.