While on the small size as far as Museums go The Vancouver Museum of Anthropology does have it's merits. It is a good rainy day activity when visiting Vancouver. It is also easy to get to, transportation wise. While not a must see, if you visit it does have it's merits.

The UBC MOA reopened in June after an 18 month seismic renovation and it's fantastic. We didn't know what to expect and we were so surprised (in a good way) to discover the extensive and impressive collection of objects in a beautiful building and an extraordinary setting. There are 44K objects with many on display or in drawers that are accessible to visitors. We were there for the grand re-opening ceremonies and learned so much about the First People / First Nation if British Columbia. We loved this place and highly recommend having it on your short list of places to visit in Vancouver.

This is a stunning exhibition that is well worth the effort to get to UBC to see it. We took cabs, but public transit is an option. The museum contains a wealth of artifacts and is very well laid out. Frankly, it felt very much like being in a sacred space. The history and information on totems and the phenomenal work on display takes your breath away! The outside area was still under construction so we could not visit the house or the outside totems. This will be truly outstanding and visually remarkable when it is completed. While there were children at the museum, I would suggest that it is probably best suited for children from about 8 years of age and up to truly understand the remarkable items they are viewing.

We’d been planning a visit for two years, but the museum had been closed for seismic strengthening. Glad we persisted. It’s difficult to briefly describe this immense and diverse place, the product of literally decades of transformation from (old) European framing of native peoples to more recent sensibilities that place native peoples at the center and fully in the museum — lots of voices describing their culture and artifacts from e.g. First Nations people. Immense presentation of totem poles alongside weaving, cedar boxes, domestic life : major theme is essential cultural unity of everyday items and creative practices with wider spiritual life. This one large hall could easily be a two hour visit for an attentive visitor. Then, a bit shocking to realize this was only a small fraction of the museum! Several special exhibits really required attention. Then , oh my, discovery of the truly immense living archive of artifacts— very lightly curated— from PNW coast peoples, Latin American, Chinese, pacific islands, on and on. It’s really the anthropological teaching resource for UBC, on display and open for self-guided discovery. For lunch, go 50 meters “up hill” to the brewpub and casual restaurant—great outdoor seating — named for major 1979s donors to the MOA itself: Walter and Marianne Koerner.

My husband and I are museum hounds, so this was right up our alley. There is a lovely collection of Pacific Northwest artwork which included totem poles, masks and some clothing as well as tools and other utensils. Other exhibits varied from African and Asian collections. The museum fills up quickly when the cruise ships and guided tours arrive so get there early. The museum of course is accessible.

If you are into the history and artifacts of the native people of Canada then this is the place for you. It is huge and growing. It is a fair way out from central Vancouver and the public transport to get there is a bit tricky but doable, if you are keen. We took an Uber , though a bit costly it at least got us there effectively o a wet day. You should look at spending at least 3 hours to view all the exhibit, if you become engrossed , as you will, then double that. To begin to describe what is there will not do it any justice, go and experience what is truly a valuable and inspiring collection of displays, not only from Canada but also from several other first native people from around the world.

Without a doubt this was the highlight of an incredible week in Vancouver, The quality of the exhibitions and the variety of media used to demonstrate the First Nation history of BC WERE OUTSTANDING. I could have spent a full day there.