Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver

Situated next to Robson Square, the Vancouver Art Gallery holds the position of being the fifth-largest art gallery in Canada. In the realm of size, it claims the title of the largest art museum in Western Canada. Its extensive permanent collection showcases around 12,000 pieces crafted by both Canadian and international artists. Notably, the collection features over 200 significant artworks from luminaries like Emily Carr, the Group of Seven, and illustrations by Marc Chagall. These artworks are thoughtfully displayed in a spacious and captivating setting, ranging in style from the conventional to the eccentric, occasionally even touching upon the slightly unsettling.

The museum collection plays a pivotal role as the primary custodian of art in the Lower Mainland region. It stands as the most comprehensive wellspring of visual culture in British Columbia, growing year by year with the addition of several hundred new works. The museum environment is enriched with supplementary features, including serene spaces for relaxation, such as the ambient music room.

The architectural credit for the museum building goes to Francis Rattenbury. Originally inaugurated as a provincial courthouse, this structure earned the distinction of being designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980. The Gallery, on the other hand, debuted for the public in 1931, housed initially at a different location. The decision to relocate it to its present home, a re-imagined provincial courthouse, was finalized in 1983.

In conjunction with its permanent collection, the museum frequently plays host to touring exhibitions.

Tip:
When the lineup is long, get on your phone and buy the tickets online; better yet, buy them before you leave the house and show them upon entry to the gatekeeper.
Remember to visit the on-site café – delightful, with fine food, reasonable prices, and beautiful salads. If weather permits, take a table on the balcony or outside the courtyard.