Archie MontroseThe 14 Best Art Galleries in Vancouver
It is often said that a good piece of art is one that evokes emotion from the viewer. This seems like a fitting description since the aesthetics of art are purely subjective.
If you’re up for an emotional trip or you just want to enjoy creative work, perhaps you can use our list of the best art galleries in Vancouver. To make sure you won’t have to rely on our word alone, we’ve included public reviews, gallery backgrounds, and other info.
- How Much Does It Cost to Visit an Art Gallery?
- The Best Art Galleries in Vancouver
- 1. The Vancouver Art Gallery
- 2. The Museum of Anthropology
- 3. Seymour Art Gallery
- 4. Douglas Reynolds Gallery
- 5. Sam’s Original Art
- 6. Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
- 7. Kurbatoff Gallery
- 8. Ukama Gallery
- 9. Vancouver Fine Art Gallery
- 10. Art Works
- 11. Canton – Sardine
- 12. Federation Gallery
- 13. SUM Gallery
- 14. Vancouver Visual Art Foundation
- FAQs About Art Galleries
How Much Does It Cost to Visit an Art Gallery?
Art can be an expensive hobby if you’re in the business of buying and selling it. But luckily, appreciating it can cost little to nothing depending on the galleries you visit.
For the entries on our list, we’ve created an admission cost table to keep you in the loop for general costs.
As you can see, some galleries allow free admission, while others will charge a small fee. This is usually due to the size of the exhibits as well as the source of the gallery’s income.
Keep in mind, walking around various exhibits can leave you with a bit of an appetite, so it may be wise to include snacks or meals in your art gallery trip budget.
The Best Art Galleries in Vancouver
Now that you’re familiar with the costs of admission to each of the galleries, it’s time to see what “Rain City” has to offer. Here are our picks for the best art galleries in Vancouver.
1. The Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931, making it one of the oldest art institutions in British Columbia. With its 100 years of existence, this art gallery has also amassed over 11,600 artworks.
This makes the Vancouver art gallery the largest public art gallery in all of Western Canada. Viewers will be happy to know that the gallery contains contemporary works and historical art from all over the world as well as a few First Nations art pieces.
Aside from a massive collection of unique paintings and sculptures, this place is also known for its profound seminars. Many visitors often enjoy the various talks and presentations on art history in Vancouver.
Overall, this gallery is perfect for Vancouverites and tourists who want to see the city’s artsy side. With its wide selection of artworks, both avid critics and everyday observers are sure to find something of interest.
Pros
- Oldest art gallery in Vancouver
- Contains over 11,600 artworks
- Holds various seminars for art history
- Is the largest art gallery in Western Canada
Cons
- Only open 4 days a week
- A full viewing may take several hours
Customer Reviews
The Vancouver Art Gallery has successfully given many people an in-depth look into the artistic side of Vancouver:
“Perfect to visit on a rainy day. Fairly large collection of contemporary art. Exhibitions change often so you can go back and check it out. Try to walk or take transit since finding parking is difficult and expensive.” – Farod D.
“Not only is this an incredible Art Gallery always full of fascinating and historic art, but it has a gorgeous brand new area in the front of it off of Georgia. You can sit relaxe, even lay down on grassy patches, with the incredible lion statues! It’s also a terrific place for groups to gather for their presentations and speeches!” – Light W.
2. The Museum of Anthropology
Art and culture often go hand in hand to the point where they often influence one another. Because of this, it’s no surprise that Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology is also home to a sizeable cultural art collection.
This gallery’s collection contains various First Nations pieces, from your standard paintings and sculptures to more unique selections like tapestries and clothing. Along with this, these folks also circulate exhibits with artwork from other cultures all over the globe.
In this year’s set of exhibits, the Museum of Anthropology offers artwork from Japan, Korea, and even Afghanistan. This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see the global relationship with culture and art.
Last but not least, this gallery also screens unique art films relating to subjects like culture, race, and even sexuality. Viewers who enjoy thought-provoking subject matter would do well to consider visiting this art institution.
Pros
- Focuses on First Nations artworks
- Carries various cultural works from all over the globe
- Open to viewers on weekends
- Screens various art films
Cons
- Less-suited to young children compared to other galleries
Customer Reviews
Many viewers are thrilled by the mature themes explored by the Museum of Anthropology:
“A pretty intense museum. The multiversity section has over 9000 items. There is a LOT to look at and to read. I recommend you come prepared to spend at least 3 hours here. I brought a sketchbook and took breaks from exploring by sitting down and sketching some of my favourite items.” – Ambar B.
“A truly remarkable place and a must visit even if history and indigenous culture doesn’t peek your interest. It was a very enriching experience learning and just absorbing the history being communicated through the exhibits and stories being told by the artists and curators. I’m not a museum person, but this was a 10 out of 10!” – Daniel V.
3. Seymour Art Gallery
The Seymour Art Gallery is a small art exhibit with cultural works and local art pieces. While their collection is not as large as other institutions, this gallery makes up for it with detailed exhibits.
Many pieces housed in the Seymour Art Gallery are inspired by nature and First Nations themes. So, to help set the mood for viewers, the designers equipped these exhibits with themed decorations and even sound ambiance.
This gallery also offers various art workshops for both adults and children. This year, the Seymour Art Gallery is holding a children’s art camp, which is perfect for people who want to introduce their kids to art.
It is worth mentioning that in view of the COVID pandemic, these folks also offer various online workshops which viewers can enjoy at home. Overall, this gallery’s small size and intricately designed exhibits make for a quick but substantial viewing experience.
Pros
- All exhibits can be viewed in a short amount of time
- Offers workshops for children and adults
- Gallery uses highly detailed decorations and ambiance
Cons
- Located relatively far from downtown Vancouver
Customer Reviews
The Seymour Art Gallery, though small, has left a big impression on many viewers:
“Wonderful small shop, with great gift items and local art. The gallery itself is relatively small, free to enter and features many different exhibits, changing every few weeks.” – Janine J.
“Sun Jan 18th ’15 attended the opening of the “Discovery Fire” on until Feb 7th ’15 Seymour Art Gallery is a delightful small art gallery in Deep Cove, North Vancouver – wonderful show with such artists showing as Marion Maxwell, Faye Gordon Lewis and Dorothy Doherty, many others …if you are in the area do take a look and make your own discovery.” – Reet V.
4. Douglas Reynolds Gallery
The Douglas Reynolds Gallery is both a First Nations art gallery as well as a full-time art appraisal and selling shop. This combination comes in handy for viewers who wish to purchase art but have little experience in actually appraising it.
These folks have an impressive collection of native artwork. Many of their pieces include traditional clothing, wooden carvings, sculptures, and of course paintings.
This gallery also showcases various local talents all throughout its exhibits. Many of these artists even hail from native tribes such as the Gitxsan, Haida, Tsimshian, and Kwakwaka’wakw to name a few.
With such a wide collection of First Nations artworks in its possession, the Douglas Reynolds Gallery offers a unique look into Native tribal culture. To top things off, viewing is entirely free, and the exhibits are periodically circulated to showcase all the First Nations tribes.
Pros
- Focuses on First Nations works
- Buys, sells, and appraises artworks
- Showcases many local artists
Cons
- The gallery does not showcase other niches of art
Customer Reviews
This gallery’s impressive selection of First Nations artworks has earned it a number of five-star reviews:
“Douglas Reynolds Gallery has an amazing selection of various types of First Nations artwork. Erica was quick to reply to my inquiry and made the purchasing process very easy. I was not able to get to the gallery and she arranged for a courier to deliver the piece to me locally the same day. Exceptional customer service!” – Steven W.
“Such a kind and professional team. I received answers within an hour. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms Gibbons, who was patient and kind enough to answer all my questions, get in touch with the artist and see everything through. An absolute pleasure of an experience. Can not recommend enough!!! Thank you.” – Helia B.
5. Sam’s Original Art
At Sam’s Original Art, we were impressed with their diverse selection of artwork and helpful staff. They provided excellent customer service, answering all our questions and assisting us in finding the perfect piece.
We found Sam’s Original Art to be efficient in handling transactions and arranging for artwork delivery. Our purchase arrived promptly and was well-packaged to ensure its safety.
The quality of the artwork from Sam’s Original Art exceeded our expectations; each piece was meticulously crafted and stunningly beautiful. We appreciated the attention to detail and the variety of styles available.
Our experience with Sam’s Original Art’s pricing was reasonable, with options to fit different budgets. They offered competitive rates for their high-quality artwork compared to other galleries in the area.
Overall, our experience with Sam’s Original Art was exceptional, and we would highly recommend them to art enthusiasts. With their excellent customer service, efficient processes, top-notch quality, and fair pricing, Sam’s Original Art is a fantastic destination for art lovers.
Pros
- Reasonable pricing
- Clean and safe facilities
- Showcases a large outdoor art exhibit
Cons
- No promos at the present
Customer Reviews
“So I was getting all these posts in my Facebook feed for this art studio, and I found the pieces appealing. Researching the art and the artist, Sam Spiegel, further, I saw that he had a studio in Kits, close to Granville Island. My friend and I love going to galleries and artists’ studios and artisan markets, so we decided to check out Sam’s Original Art gallery one recent afternoon.
This gallery is small but pack full of artworks, all done by Sam. The works reminded me of a stylized Emily Carr-esque feel; clearly Canadian, with some recognizable scenes of the Van seawall or Burrard Inlet, and other clearly Canadian vistas. The lonely structures on the prairie landscapes, and the winding roads through the BC mountains all kinda sorta reminded me of a glossier and cheerier Group of Seven work. Not as moody, and glossier, to be sure. But definitely Canadian. And I like that!
The works were hung on the walls as well as leaning on them from the floors. Luckily, the man and women working here knew well what was there in the store, offering to show us various pieces they felt we would like.
I was really impressed how the prints on canvas look damn near exactly like the original works. The technique and materials they use for prints are amazingly high; seriously, the prints look just like the originals, and the prices for prints are so much less.
If you’re in this area, check out this gallery! Support local art! Vancouver has such a vibrant art scene.” — Nancy H.
6. Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery
Located in the University of British Columbia, the Belkin Art Gallery is home to over 70 years’ worth of contemporary art pieces. Having been founded in 1948, this gallery was actually the first art institution to focus solely on contemporary art.
Since this time, the gallery has gained recognition on the national level thanks to its unique artwork showcases. Many of these pieces include large outdoor art installations as well as paintings and sculptures that challenge societal norms and criticisms.
Many visitors will be thrilled to know that the gallery keeps close ties with many of its exhibiting artists. As a result, it is very common for some artists to give special tours of their very own exhibits.
This presents a special opportunity for avid art enthusiasts to pose their questions directly to the men and women behind the canvas. Pair this option with the gallery’s conversational pieces, and you get an experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply educating.
Pros
- The oldest contemporary art gallery in Vancouver
- Focuses solely on contemporary art
- Exhibiting artists often give tours of their pieces
- Showcases a large outdoor art exhibit
Cons
- The large gallery can take a long time to view
- Not ideal for viewers who prefer other art niches
Customer Reviews
With over 70 years of experience in the artistic field, it’s easy to see why the Belkin Gallery is so popular:
“I went to an Artist Tour of her own exhibit, really amazing. There is always a thought provoking installation on at the Belkin Art Gallery, they rotate the exhibit 3 times a year. And it’s always free!” – Erin W.
“Definitely one of the more worthwhile places to visit at UBC. It’s free and can have some excellent or interesting exhibitions, depending on the time of year. I also recommend doing the walking Art tour at UBC if you have a few hours to kill.” – William C.
7. Kurbatoff Gallery
The Kurbatoff Gallery is a British Columbian-inspired art exhibit that helps promote contemporary Canadian artists and their works of all experience levels may they be emerging to be already well-established.
They have also received a few awards since their opening back in 2002 such as the Canadian Business Award of Best Commercial Art Gallery 2020 in Vancouver.
Recognized by Corporate Vision, the gallery showcases and offers a variety of art collections in various mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Furthermore, they also offer consultation services to clients who have inquiries regarding the best place for each art piece. The gallery is also acclaimed to have introduced a variety of artists and artworks to interested clients as well as support the Arts Umbrella mission of art education for young people which helped the community gain high-quality art education.
Pros
- Impressive visual artists and art selections
- Innovative art showcase
- Supportive and accommodating of local artists
Cons
- Limited art gallery hours
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews of their clients:
“The Owner & Director, Elena Kurbatoff, is knowledgeable, accommodating and professional. Kurbatoff Gallery is one of my favourite places to visit on South Granville’s Gallery Row. Elena has personally introduced me to a number of her talented artists and their compelling art works and art practices. I am happy to support these great artists, and I am proud to hang their art pieces in my home and corporate offices.
Thank you Elena, for your wonderful customer service and for the pleasurable experience of visiting your exceptional gallery.” – Gordon R. Diamond, O.C., O.B.C., Chairman of West Coast Reduction Ltd.
“Kurbatoff Gallery is an incredible gallery. The gallery owners, Elena and Constantine, have achieved that delicate balance between quality and price that makes art available to a broad audience. My office and home are enhanced by the numerous pieces purchased from Kurbatoff Gallery. If you have not been to the gallery I highly recommend a visit. You will not be disappointed.” – Richard Bell | Partner BELL ALLIANCE LLP
8. Ukama Gallery
The Ukama Gallery is an art gallery specializing in showcasing original stone sculptures from over 200 equally skilled emerging and well-renowned artists in Zimbabwe.
They also showcase other forms of art in order to complement the sculptures in their gallery and add more colorful impressions on clients who visit their gallery.
Each piece of art is carefully curated and maintained in order to showcase and preserve a real sense of the significant contributions of Zimbabwean sculptors in the creation of modern contemporary art. The gallery makes sure to accommodate artists in all parts of the Zimbabwean community may these be urban or rural areas.
We recommend this art gallery for clients looking for authentic and carefully curated artworks and gallery experience that offers art rentals to small gifts that art enthusiasts may avail of as a present.
Pros
- Authentic and curated artworks
- Flexible gallery operating hours
- Available for private appointments
Cons
- Limited art services
Customer Services
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“It’s always like going to a place of inspiration and beauty. Every time I go to Granville Island, I stop in to see what they have that’s new and hope to see some old favourites. An incredible experience, each time.” – Gilly Thomas
“Amazing! Beautiful artwork. Wonderful mix of African sculpture and contemporary local artists. Also a great place to check out for small, affordable gifts.” – Angela Vertone
9. Vancouver Fine Art Gallery
Vancouver Fine Art Gallery is an art gallery that features a lot of artworks and sculptures from established modern-day contemporary, French impressionist, and Old Masters.
They feature original works by a number of award-winning contemporary artists such as David Gerstein, Cecilia Aisin-Gioro, Alexander Sheversky, Janice McLean, Gao Feng, Olivia Zeng, Uncle Zeng, Kamiar Gajoum, Rudolf Sokolovski, G Kim Hinkson, and Holly Bromley among others.
They are open 7 days a week and have experts who are fluent in a variety of languages should inquiries require it such as English, Mandarin, Russian, Hebrew, and Polish. All works in the said gallery are all authorized and ready to be picked up in case of art rentals for the TV and Film Industry as well.
With over 50 years of experience in the art industry, the gallery mostly focuses on Canadian Art but still is open to showcase and accommodate other art themes and the vast array of fine art selection is open for Art Walks Evenings.
Pros
- Open all week
- Professionals and experts know a wide range of languages
- Large selection of artworks
Cons
- May not be able to accommodate some clients’ taste for old art styles
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Amazing to see art pieces from different cultures with different styles. Especially the original drawing piece of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Definitely a must see. Thanks.” – Sohan K.
“Really great art collection from all over the world. Liked the fact there are multiple brochures each comprising of a biography of the artist. Especially the work of Cecilia Aisin-Gioro. Thanks for this Gallery!” – Andre L.
10. Art Works
Art Works is an art exhibit based in Vancouver that features modern and contemporary art expressed in a different and wide variety of mediums and art styles. It services mainly the design and architectural industry and was founded way back in 1986 under the directorship of Deanna Geisheimer.
The exhibit specializes in Canadian Art and has then become a form of representation for British Columbia’s most dynamic artists along with other equally amazing artists across North America. The art exhibit has then developed a unique niche for their own aesthetic taste which shows as they consistently create wonderful value within both residential and commercial spaces in their area.
They have also worked with various corporations, movie studios along with different leading interior designers in Vancouver which they have also consistently been acclaimed and recognized for their wide variety of products along with outstanding customer service as well. The staff were also described as very accommodating and prompt with any queries and is enthusiastic with introducing and guiding clients who wish to find a specific piece that will complete their homes.
We recommend this art exhibit due to its both professional and long experience in the field which has earned them the trust and loyalty of many corporations that they have previously serviced. Furthermore, it is located in a convenient location in which clients have access to free parking, grab a bite yet still enjoy the specific relaxing atmosphere for looking at artworks.
Pros
- Offers free parking
- Close to the commercial drive
- Professional and trustworthy customer service
Cons
- Lacks admission information
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Deanna and her team at Artworks are exceptional. They care about the details and the quality of their work. That care makes our projects successful.” — Marilou Rudakewich BID RID @ M STUDIO Design Consultants Inc. /2021
“As an Interior Designer, I have worked with Art Works for several years. This company is a valuable resource due to their wide variety of products and their consistently top-notch service.
The staff are knowledgeable and provide thorough information for installation requirements as well as timely quotes and follow-up on all projects. In addition to being professional and personable, there is a clear passion and caring for art and the related services provided. I highly recommend Art Works!” — Tanya Schoenroth BA, BADID, Interior Designer /2020
11. Canton – Sardine
Canton-Sardine is an art exhibition that is strongly entrenched in and inspired by the notion of the “White Cube,” and has since evolved into other art movements that make artistic use of space. They’ve already sponsored a variety of art exhibitions, including He Lixio: Minor, Immortal of Play, and Lam Wong: Mind Transition, among many others.
True to their beginnings, their website caters to Chinese clientele seeking information and inquiries, despite the fact that the primary language used is English. Clients interested in seeing past works and getting a sense of the art gallery as a whole can use their comprehensive roster of curators, exhibits, and artists.
They are presently closed for private projects and the holidays while they prepare for a major exhibit that will be shown there, but they will reopen in January 2022.
Clients can effortlessly arrange online appointments on their website and hand-pick slots that suit their needs. However, due to COVID-19 constraints, each session has a maximum capacity of 6 people and lasts just an hour.
Pros
- No-hassle online booking system
- Thematic art exhibits
- Wide range of resources
Cons
- Limited admission information
- Temporarily closed
12. Federation Gallery
Federation Gallery is a gallery that operates under the umbrella of our Non-Profit Organization – The Federation of Canadian Artists. They are Canada’s oldest and largest member-driven Arts Service Organization that was founded in 1941,
What we love about them is how they give a chance for emerging artists to exhibit their work, learn about the industry, and network. The same goes for established artists.
In comparison to other galleries, they host 24-28 exhibits yearly. What’s even better is that exhibitions rotate every two to three weeks, so there is always something new to see.
As a non-profit gallery, they collect one of the lowest commission rates of a gallery in Vancouver, 65% of sales returning to the artist, 35% used to keep their operations running, and the gallery free for the public to enjoy – year-round.
Pros
- Opened the Federation Studio and Federation Classroom where people can see studio artists practicing their works
- Offers educational programs
- Can view previous exhibitions through their website
Cons
- Exhibitions rotate frequently
- Parking can be difficult
13. SUM Gallery
At Green & Gold Cleaning, we were impressed with the range of services offered, catering to both residential and commercial clients. Our experience with their team was efficient, with punctual arrivals and thorough cleaning sessions. The quality of their work exceeded our expectations, leaving our space sparkling clean and refreshed. Our satisfaction with Green & Gold Cleaning’s services is evident in the attention to detail and meticulous care they provided. The efficiency of their cleaning process ensured minimal disruption to our daily routine, allowing us to enjoy a clean environment without hassle. Our confidence in Green & Gold Cleaning’s reliability grew with each appointment, as they consistently delivered excellent results. As for cost, Green & Gold Cleaning offers competitive pricing options, providing value for the level of service received. Our investment in their cleaning services proved to be a wise decision, considering the immaculate results achieved. Overall, our experience with Green & Gold Cleaning was exceptional, and we highly recommend their services to anyone seeking professional cleaning assistance.
Pros
- Offers educational programs
- Can view previous exhibitions through their website
Cons
- No promos yet
14. Vancouver Visual Art Foundation
Vancouver Visual Art Foundation is a non-profit organization that foremostly seeks to educate and inspire the public and other artists of fine arts. All the events that they host are geared toward the education of this art field by holding events such as art classes and art fairs that feature both local and international artists.
Their website is simple yet informative of the different events and art fairs the organization has held and is about to hold in weeks or months later. All of which is to inspire and promulgate a local art community and learn different techniques that aspiring individuals may apply and could even open them to artist fees and opportunities by simply applying online.
Their organization also follows a protocol stating that at least 50% of their activities are dedicated to, or include underserved populations including Indigenous, BIPOC+, those who do not speak either of Canada’s official languages, immigrants, refugees, women, youth, ethnically or racially diverse populations, people with disabilities, and low-income households.
They also have an online shop that is sorted by artist and even offers a high-resolution image of the artwork. You can sort their online store by artist, medium, and price to make things easier for you.
Pros
- Focuses on indigenous people
- Artists can apply online
- Inspiring online classes
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“This multifaceted organization is at its heart a delightful community of artists and art lovers, the brainchild of the talented Lisa Wolfin, which makes inclusive space for creativity and appreciation of the arts for the curious, the passionate, masters and explorers alike.”
“I really enjoyed the Art Masters event put on by Art! Vancouver. I felt extremely engaged in everyone’s artwork and it was very cool to see each artists process live. I enjoyed the aspect of audience participation. Such a great concept! Counting down the days until the fair!”
FAQs About Art Galleries
Vancouver has no shortage of art galleries to choose from, whether it’s contemporary pieces, cultural works, or historical art, there’s something for everyone. We certainly hope that our list has given you an idea of what you can expect if you visit any of these institutions.
Works of art are always around us from paintings and sculptures to design and architecture. If you fancy making your living space into a work of art, check out our list of the best interior designers in Vancouver.
As with all our lists, we’ve included reviews, backgrounds, and FAQs to help you make the best choice.
