Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is the largest civic museum in Canada
Located a short bus ride from downtown Vancouver in Vanier Park, the Museum of Vancouver features four permanent exhibits along with historic and archaeological collections. There are also temporary exhibits brought in throughout the year. While the focus is on the fascinating culture, history and development of Vancouver and area, there are numerous artifacts from around the world.
The museum itself has a long history going back to 1984 when it was founded by the Art, Historical, and Scientific Association of Vancouver which displayed their collections in various locations around the city until opening their first permanent location at the Carnegie Library in 1905. It's current location was constructed in 1967 in conjunction with Canada's centennial and named the Centennial Museum. The name was changed to the Vancouver Museum in 1981 and finally to the Museum of Vancouver in 2009. The museum continues to showcase a great collection of historic, nostalgic, modern and artistic artifacts from Vancouver and area.
The museum also adjoins the H.R. MacMillan Space Center Planetarium and is just a short walk from the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
For complete details about the Museum of Vancouver see the official website above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesMuseum of Vancouver Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada
Phone: (604) 736-4431
Official Website: Museum of Vancouver
Museum of Vancouver Reviews
Rated out of 5
Incredible learning experience about the city of Vancouver, its various epochs, its people and its culture. The museum has everything you need to know about the history of the city. The exhibits are well-curated and interesting artifacts are plentiful. I love the architecture as well. It's a pretty big place, so be prepared to spend a large part of your day here if you want to explore all the exhibitions in detail. Unfortunately, parking around the museum is not free.
Kevin Luo - a month ago
It was my first time visiting the museum of Vancouver. This place has lots of exhibits about the history of Vancouver. When I visited 1-5 sections were closed for renovation. However, it still took me a couple of hours to go through sections 6-12 in detail. They have lots of audio and video exhibits too. The city before the city is one of my favorite exhibits here. They also have quizzes at the end of most sections which you can take by scanning a QR code. It was a fun exercise to do the quizzes and learn about the history of the place. The museum took me through a travel in time where I could see how Vancouver evolved over the years/decades. I would come back here again to check out the exhibits which were closed during my visit.
Vyshnavi Vennelakanti - 3 weeks ago
The Museum of Vancouver offers a great way to explore the city’s history and culture. The exhibits, including interactive stations, highlight Vancouver’s evolution from its Indigenous roots to its modern identity.
We came with the family for our first visit and spent less than an hour exploring. The building is nice, and the overall experience was enjoyable.
It’s a worthwhile stop, especially if combined with nearby attractions like the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre or Kitsilano Beach. Rate is based in comparison to other museums I’ve visited. Everything went well during the visit.
Philip Raymond Lim - a month ago
Small, but informative exhibits. The decades exhibits were colorful and fun, the indigenous exhibits were informative. Was not busy on a Thursday afternoon. You do have to pay for parking as a heads up, but the price is the same as anywhere downtown Vancouver.
Erin Hansen - 2 months ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Burrard Station | 9 Minutes |
How to get to Museum of Vancouver by SkyTrain
From Burrard SkyTrain Station take the Burrard Street exit and catch either the #2 or #22 Macdonald going south on Burrard Street at the stop directly in front of the station. Take either bus to the Cypress Street Stop on Cornwall Avenue (less that 10 minutes). Walk back along Cornwall Ave. to Chestnut Street and go left. The museum is located in the same complex as the planetariium.
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Accommodations near Museum of Vancouver:
Photo Gallery
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HR McMillan Space Centre (Planetarium) and Museum of Vancouver located in Vanier Park -
A display of brightly lit neon signs on display at the MOV cc licensed photo by *_* -
Photo Credit: Reg Natarajan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Reg Natarajan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Reg Natarajan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Reg Natarajan - cc license via Flickr
Video
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