Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
University of British Columbia (UBC)
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THE 10 BEST Vancouver Art Galleries
Art Galleries in Vancouver
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54 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Art Galleries • Art Museums
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South Granville
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Art Galleries • Art Museums
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Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
East Vancouver
Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
South Granville
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Granville Island
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Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Granville Island
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Art Galleries
Granville Island
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Art Galleries
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Art Galleries
Granville Island
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Central
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Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
South Granville
Art Galleries
Granville Island
Art Galleries
Granville Island
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Art Galleries
Central
Art Galleries
Central
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
East Vancouver
Showing results 1-30 of 54
What travellers are saying
- AlihVancouver, Canada20 contributionsI have been here many times over the years and always enjoy it. I highly recommend a visit for anyone, local or tourist.Written March 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul PYelverton, UK40 contributionsNice Little Gallery & Museum to while away an hour or so in Vancouver Downtown. Very interesting background about familiar art and the artist who created it.Written September 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- macd0naldbeth36 contributionsBrilliant thought provoking exhibits. Well curated. Particularly engaging sculptures. Excellent variety. Good museum shop.Written December 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- IambicVancouver, WA464 contributionsThe 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 August 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RoadDolphinShediac, Canada41 contributionsRecently moved from Gastown, but very accessible by public transit. Lots of beautiful art pieces, and also other Indigenous-made goods such as jewelry and wallets. Relaxing to browse the gallery. Knowledgable and friendly staff. Definitely worth a visit.Written June 5, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lenka K1 contributionAwesome 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, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JeannetteMcFAuckland, New Zealand97 contributionsThis gallery is just across the street from the steam clock. It’s a touristy area but the standard of the work is very fine. I went in specifically looking for silver jewellery by native artists. The selection was small but beautiful quality. I ended up buying a carved silver bracelet by a Coast Salish artist, which was different from anything else I had seen in Vancouver or in Alaska. I only checked out the prices for jewellery but they were comparable with other shops including the gift shop of the Anchorage Museum. The staff were helpful and not pushy.Written September 24, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Beckie D125 contributionsThis 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 October 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susanna S.Vancouver, Canada7 contributionsThe 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 May 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cristina PValencia, Spain45 contributionsIf 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 July 18, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,816 contributionsI 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 March 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - view_h0undSan Francisco, CA26 contributionsA 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 November 17, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lin Li1 contributionGreat 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 inspirationWritten February 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Johnprd29 contributionsWe had the chance to visit the Karen Cooper Gallery while in Vancouver.
What a great JOY it was! We were fortunate to meet Karen and talk with her. The many gallery images were every bit as brilliant as the reputation we’d heard of Karen’s creative photo art expertise.
For six years, we’d been searching for a piece of art to adorn a space in our waterfront condo in downtown San Diego. And, there it was! Dream Keeper!
This awesome 80 X 35 image now graces our primary bedroom and can been seen down a long hallway the minute one enters our home. It reminds us of the rainforest trails around our home on Harstine Island in Puget Sound. We are thrilled with it and grateful to Karen for creating this cherished image.
Hearing the story from Karen of the quest to capture the image of Dream Keeper added to our delight. Plus, Karen and the gallery staff made the process of safely shipping this large piece of art to our California home very simple. We look forward to visiting the Karen Cooper Gallery every time we are in Vancouver and have been encouraging others to do likewise.
-Craig & JohnWritten September 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - John MNew Port Richey, FL740 contributionsThe Ukama Gallery was a treat. It held the works of Candian contemporary artists' work as well as a focus on Zimbabwe sculptors. The sculptures were intriguing. Our reception at the gallery was professional, and everyone working there was very pleasant. This is a don't miss place.Written January 26, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver
- These places are best for art galleries in Vancouver:
- Museum of Anthropology
- Bill Reid Gallery
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Hill's Native Art Gallery
- Inuit Gallery of Vancouver
- These are the best places for budget-friendly art galleries in Vancouver:
- Museum of Anthropology
- Bill Reid Gallery
- Strange Fellows Brewing
- Pacific Arts Market
- Hill's Native Art Gallery