Top 10 Museums and Galleries in Vancouver

UBC Museum of Anthropology

If you see only one museum in Vancouver, it should be University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology ​or MOA. MOA's incredible collections of First Nations and Coast Salish works of art and artifacts are unique to this region. You'll see things you've never seen before that are unlike anything else in the world at MOA. The art, sculpture, and historic works here, including magnificent large-scale sculptures and totems, shouldn't be missed.

Keep an eye out for the Raven and the First Men sculpture by First Nations artist Bill Reid; it's on display at MOA and is the image on the back of every Canadian $20 bill.

Vancouver Art Gallery

One of downtown Vancouver’s most notable landmarks, the Vancouver Art Gallery's exhibits range from cutting-edge, contemporary work to historic masters. The gallery is home to more than 9,000 works of art, including the largest collection of paintings by the famous British Columbian artist Emily Carr and a world-renowned collection of contemporary photo-based work.

If you're on a budget, you'll be glad to know that you can get in by donation (without a set admissions fee) every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Science World British Columbia

For families with children, especially kids 10 and under, Science World (along with the Vancouver Aquarium) is a can't-miss destination. Not only is it one of the best attractions for kids in Vancouver it's also a great place to visit on a rainy day. Dedicated to teaching kids about science and technology, Science World has loads of hands-on and interactive activities for kids. For example, in the Eureka! Gallery, kids can learn about water, light, sound, and motion by launching balls and parachutes and playing music on "invisible" harp strings.

Museum of Vancouver and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

The Museum of Vancouver, or the MOV, and the Space Centre are two separate museums in one building, and you can get a discount admission if you go to both museums on the same day.

The MOV is Canada's largest civic museum; it's home to permanent displays, exhibitions, and educational programs about the natural, cultural, and human history of the Vancouver region, from First Nations to industrialization to today. The MOV shares its iconic domed building with the kid-oriented H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, which is part space and science museum, part planetarium, and part observatory.

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Boats, boats, and more boats: The Vancouver Maritime Museum is Canada's premier Pacific Coast maritime museum and home to the fully restored St. Roch, a 1928 schooner that traversed the Northwest Passage and circumnavigated North America.

Beaty Diversity Museum

Located on the campus of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver’s natural history museum features more than 500 exhibits that examine the wonders of the natural world. Workshops, talks, and late night events are held here to teach visitors more about the earth's flora and fauna.

Vancouver Police Museum

One of the city's most interesting and quirky museums, the Police Museum & Archives is situated in the original Coroner’s Court, City Morgue, and Autopsy Facility, which is over 80 years old. North America’s oldest police museum is home to more than 20,000 rare artifacts and photos, we well as unique exhibits such as confiscated weapons and counterfeit currency. Look out for Movies in the Morgue for a unique cinema-going experience

Rennie Museum

Housed in the historic Wing Sang building (51 East Pender Street), which is Chinatown’s oldest building (1889), the Rennie Museum is a private collection owned by real estate mogul Bob Rennie. Local and international artists are showcased in the gallery and free tours are available to the public. 

BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

Sports fans can check out the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at BC Place. Attractions include interactive exhibits such as a rotating climbing wall, 14 meter timed running track, and bubble hockey. Other galleries focus on women in sports, the Winter Olympics of 2010, and a Hall of Champions gallery. Visitors can also see a window into BC Place sporting venue. 

Roedde House Museum

Take a trip back in time at 1415 Barclay Street's Roedde House Museum at the 19th century home of Vancouver's first bookbinder, Gustav Roedde. the Roedde House Preservation Society has carefully restored the house to create an accurate portrayal of late Victorian family life in the West End.