Embark on a cultural journey through Downtown Vancouver's museums and galleries, where each institution offers a captivating exploration of art and heritage. From the iconic Vancouver Art Gallery to the intimate exhibits at the Bill Reid Gallery, these venues provide a perfect escape from rainy days, inviting visitors to discover the city's rich cultural tapestry through diverse collections and immersive experiences.  

Join us as we explore these cultural treasures, perfect for a day of exploration on a rainy Vancouver afternoon. Each of these museums and galleries offers a unique perspective on Vancouver's history, art, culture, and scientific exploration.  

Museum of Vancouver (MOV) 

^{Photo Source: Guilhem Vellut on Flickr} 

The Museum of Vancouver explores the history, culture, and identity of Vancouver through a variety of exhibits and displays. It offers insights into the city's past, present, and future, focusing on social issues, urban development, and cultural diversity. 

Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver 
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H.R. MacMillan Space Centre  

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a science museum dedicated to astronomy and space exploration. Visitors can learn about the wonders of the universe through interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities. 

1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver 
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Vancouver Art Gallery 

The Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the largest art institutions in Canada, housing a vast collection of artworks from renowned local and international artists. It offers a diverse range of exhibitions, including contemporary, historical, and Indigenous art. 

Address: 750 Hornby St. Vancouver 
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UBC Museum of Anthropology 

^{Photo Source: Jonathan F.V. on Flickr} 

The Museum of Anthropology, located at UBC, showcases Indigenous art, artifacts, and cultural objects from around the world. It highlights the rich Indigenous heritage of the Pacific Northwest, with a particular emphasis on the First Nations of British Columbia. 

Temporarily Closed. The Museum is expected to reopen to the public in June 2024.

UBC Vancouver Campus, 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver  
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Vancouver Maritime Museum 

^{Photo Source: sipierdi on Flickr}  

The Vancouver Maritime Museum celebrates the maritime history and heritage of the region. It features exhibits on navigation, shipbuilding, marine exploration, and the coastal environment. The museum is also home to the historic RCMP St. Roch ship. 

1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver 
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Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art 

^{Photo credit: Sama Jim Canzian} 

The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is a must-visit Indigenous cultural destination in the heart of Vancouver. As the only public gallery in Canada dedicated exclusively to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art, it offers an inspiring window into the living artistic traditions of the region.

Founded by the Bill Reid Foundation in 2008, the Gallery honours the legacy of legendary Haida artist Bill Reid while spotlighting powerful contemporary Indigenous voices through dynamic exhibitions and public programs. It’s a welcoming space to learn, connect, and experience the richness of Northwest Coast culture: past, present, and evolving.

639 Hornby St, Vancouver 
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Chinatown Storytelling Centre 

^{Photo Source: Chinatown Storytelling Centre website} 

The Chinatown Storytelling Centre aims to preserve and share the history, culture, and stories of Vancouver's vibrant Chinatown. It offers guided walking tours and interactive exhibits that explore the neighborhood's rich heritage. 

168 E Pender St, Vancouver 
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Chinese Canadian Museum 

^{Photo Source: Chinese Canadian Museum website} 

The Chinese Canadian Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and contributions of Chinese Canadians in British Columbia. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and stories that reflect the experiences of the Chinese community in the region. 

27 E Pender St, Vancouver 
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Beaty Biodiversity Museum 

^{Photo Source: Beaty Biodiversity Museum on Flickr} 

Located at UBC, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum showcases the incredible diversity of life on Earth. It houses extensive collections of specimens, including fossils, insects, plants, and vertebrates, allowing visitors to learn about biodiversity and conservation. 

UBC Vancouver Campus, 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver 
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Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre 

^{Photo Source: Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre website} 

The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre is a museum and resource center that aims to educate the public about the Holocaust. It features exhibits, archives, and educational programs that promote understanding, remembrance, and human rights. 

50–950 West 41st Ave, Vancouver 
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Burnaby Heritage Village Museum 

^{Photo Source: Rebecca Bollwitt on Flickr} 

Although not located in Vancouver proper, the Burnaby Heritage Village Museum offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life in the region. It is an open-air museum with historic buildings, artifacts, and interpreters showcasing pioneer history. 

6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby 
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Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

^{Photo Source: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre website}   

Located in nearby Burnaby, the Nikkei National Museum explores the history and contributions of Japanese Canadians. It preserves and promotes Japanese Canadian heritage and culture. 

6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby 
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