Museums in Vancouver

THE 10 BEST Museums in Vancouver

Museums in Vancouver

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What travellers are saying

  • Dorset_Solo_traveller
    Dorset, UK2,218 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is not that accessible by public transport but is well worth a visit. There is a bus from downtown which drops you about 30 minutes walk away from the museum but I caught an Uber. My Uber driver was very friendly and instead of taking the most direct route there, he insisted on taking me a more scenic coastal route as it was the first real spring day he said there had been this year in Vancouver. It was a great trip.

    The museum is part of the University of British Columbia and cost about $22 to visit. I arrived as it was opening at 10 am on a Saturday and for the first hour I was there there were hardly any other people in the museum. Most of the exhibits relate to the Indigenous people in British Columbia although there are a couple of smaller displays relating to Papua New Guinea, China, Japan and Africa. I found it quite fascinating, especially an immersive exhibition with voices and films talking about the history of the area. The outside area including the reflecting pool was all being renovated during my visit, so I could not go outside to see them.

    My one disappointment is that I like to take a small souvenir of my trips home with me, and while there is a museum shop with seemingly locally produced souvenirs such as scarves, china etc they are all manufactured in China! So I did not buy anything there.
    Written March 2, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel25346533585
    940 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Science World has an interesting mix of science. There are many interesting exhibits. We visited with our young nephews and nieces and they really enjoyed it. It is obviously a small city exhibit. Enjoy it for what it is. A good rainy day attraction.
    Written April 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bhaj
    Redmond, WA32 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 September 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gabriel
    Westminster, CO57 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was really disappointed with the museum. The art in the museum was not that impressive but they did try to showcase local art. It just wasn’t really well setup, the art wasn’t that impressive (fully understand this is subjective), and I just ended up kind of breezing through it. Thins is my personal experience so don’t take it as an all encompassing all applicable review, just my perspective.
    Written January 20, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carolyn B
    Toronto, Canada100 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a nice museum with interesting displays. Their exhibit with the Musqueam people was really well done. Its a good way to start a visit to Vancouver.
    Written September 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • breggie
    Asheville, NC968 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The St Roch ship there (from 1928-54) and it’s history pre WW2 and during, is quite well done and is the icon of the museum. It came here from Halifax to rest when the city bought it, they dry docked it here, then built the A frame museum over and around it. The museum is quite nice, smallish, and worth a visit. In the long run, it’s curating is a bit dated now compared to high end museums with big budgets. We walked from Granville Island, along the water and past the large Vancouver Museum building.
    Written September 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Helen S
    Melbourne, Australia213 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited this lovely old house museum after reading about it and, coincidentally, staying at an apartment hotel nearby. We were greeted by a friendly guide ( Jen) who offered us a detailed tour around the property. She was very knowledgable and provided us with a very clear picture of how this family lived. She shared her wealth of knowledge about other Canadian history too. There were lots of interesting photos to look at. We really enjoyed this tour, having an interest in how people used to live. If you like history, visit this welcoming museum in the west end of Vancouver.
    Written September 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Clinton L
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved it here! Such a vibrant history and I really appreciated learning about how the Chinatown came to be. The staff were so welcoming, the snacks were fantastic, and I just can’t wait to come back!
    Written February 1, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kathrin S
    Portland, OR709 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I wasn't sure that I'd like this museum after reading the mixed reviews, but we enjoyed our visit. We all learned a lot.

    I agree it may not be in Vancouver's Top Ten but it'll be close up there! It was difficult to find. (Google maps struggled) but it was a good visit.
    Written August 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erinfullerton
    Escondido, CA30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a cool little discovery as we were looking for something to do on a rainy day. Great little museum with an oddball collection of artifacts, case files, correspondence, photos, etc. We spent about an hour here, but probabaly could have spent a bit longer - 2 hrs would be a good amt of time to allot if you want to see everything and read the stories posted, etc.

    The museum may not hold the interest of young children, as many of the exhibits require some reading and/or would just not interest young children, and there are confiscated weapons on display, some that may prompt conversations you are not ready to answer about the ugly horrors that humans are capable of inflicting on one another (such as the baseball bat embedded with hundreds of nails, or the axe with hair still visible on the blade that was used by a teenager to murder his family). For the queasy, they do a nice job at the front of explaining how to avoid the body part specimens, etc.
    Written March 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris D
    New Westminster, Canada3,389 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are a lot of art galleries in Vancouver. There are a lot of GOOD art galleries in Vancouver. But, there are very few like this one, which specializes in local's woodwork, stone sculpture, and other media. The photos help show the quality and selection that is difficult to put into words. Tourists who are interested in local culture should definitely look here; in the western part of Gastown, a short walk from the Cruise Ship Centre.
    Written January 17, 2019
    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 November 19, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kenzo Residence
    Kusadasi, Türkiye3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to visit for any two wheel addicts while in Vancouver.
    I was really impressed with the variety and condition of the bikes, some of them incredibly rare.
    Thanks
    Written September 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris D
    New Westminster, Canada3,389 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This appears to be the same place as #121. In any event, a presentation area for an ecological group open on the weekends. I am curious to know more, and I hope this information, limited as it is, will entice you to check it out when you are in the area.
    Written October 12, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PookyCake
    Victoria, Canada14,940 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I’d initially thought about patronizing the HR MacMillan Space Centre after visiting the Museum of Vancouver; however, I had just under an hour left before the building closed. As such, I decided to hold off on visiting the Space Centre until my next visit a month later. Of course, had I known better, I’d have realized that I still had more than ample time to take in both attractions at the same time. How come?

    To put the matter bluntly, the HR MacMillan Space Centre is quite small and most of the displays are rather bland – dated – and can be cruised through in about 20 minutes without missing too much. The experience might be more enjoyable with young children but, given how technologically advanced kids are these days, even they might get a little bored here. As I ambled through the Space Centre, I couldn’t help but feel like I was stuck in the 1990s.

    The one thing I really enjoyed about my experience here – and what saved the Space Centre from a dreaded 2-star rating – was the Planetarium Star Theatre and the film I got to see: “Surfing the Solar System.” The theatre is perfectly configured to give one the feeling of traveling through time and space. The staff person who interpreted the show was knowledgeable and clearly enjoyed what he was doing, which further enhanced the whole experience (there’s nothing worse than seeing someone go through the motions).

    Perhaps the Space Centre is more worthwhile if you take in one of the evening observatory tours? Nevertheless, I would suggest visiting the HR MacMillan Space Centre concurrently with the Museum of Vancouver. It makes sense on a couple of levels: Both are hosted in the same building AND it’s practical. It’s just a shame neither organization offers bundle tickets for both attractions.
    Written September 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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