Vancouver Art Gallery: Hours, Location, Tickets & What to See

The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) is one of the most important cultural landmarks in Downtown Vancouver and one of the largest art museums in Western Canada. Housed in a striking neoclassical former courthouse on Hornby Street, the Gallery has anchored the city's art scene since 1931 and remains a must-visit stop for anyone exploring Vancouver's museums, galleries, and public art spaces.

Whether you're a local looking for a rainy-day activity or a visitor planning your Vancouver itinerary, the Vancouver Art Gallery offers rotating exhibitions, a permanent collection rich in British Columbia and Canadian art, and a full calendar of talks, tours, and family programming.

About the Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery sits on the ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Since opening its doors nearly a century ago, it has grown into one of North America's most respected visual arts institutions, known for ambitious exhibitions and a strong commitment to scholarship.

The Gallery holds the most extensive collection of works by celebrated BC artist Emily Carr anywhere in Canada, alongside a deep photography collection and pieces by leading Canadian and international artists. A special focus is placed on Indigenous artists and on art from the Asia Pacific region, supported through the Gallery's Centre for Global Asias (originally founded in 2014 as the Institute of Asian Art). The Gallery also examines how images shape visual culture, design, and architecture more broadly, and continues to expand its role in the community through initiatives like the Art of Wellbeing lab, which explores how art can support mental, emotional, and physical health.

As a not-for-profit charitable organization, the Gallery is supported by its members, individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia (via the BC Arts Council), and the Canada Council for the Arts. It welcomes several hundred thousand visitors every year.

Gallery Hours

The Gallery stays open late on Fridays, making it a great option for an after-work or evening visit. Hours can shift around holidays, special exhibitions, and seasonal schedules, so it's worth double-checking the official Vancouver Art Gallery website before you go.

Admission & Tickets

General admission runs around $35 CAD for adults, with a discounted rate for BC residents. Children and youth 18 and under are always admitted free, and the Gallery offers several ways to visit on a budget:

• Free First Friday Nights — free admission on the first Friday of every month, typically from 4–8 PM
• Annual Access Pass — unlimited admission for a full year for a flat fee, a good option for frequent visitors
• Memberships — unlimited entry plus additional perks and event access
• Group rates — discounts available for groups of 10 or more with advance booking

Ticket prices, promotions, and discount days change periodically, so confirm current rates and any active offers directly on the Gallery's visitor information page before planning your trip.

What to See & Do

• Rotating feature exhibitions spanning historical and contemporary art from BC, Canada, and around the world
• Emily Carr collection — the largest holding of her work in the country
• Photography galleries showcasing one of North America's strongest photographic collections
• Indigenous art and programming developed with Indigenous artists, curators, and Elders
• Centre for Global Asias exhibitions highlighting art from the Asia Pacific region
• Family-friendly activities, including hands-on programming on select days
• 1931 Gallery Bistro — a rooftop patio restaurant for a bite or coffee during your visit
• Gallery Store — art books, local design goods, and unique gifts
• Art Rental & Sales Showroom — a chance to start or grow a personal art collection
• Guided tours and talks that add context to current exhibitions

Most visitors spend roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours exploring the Gallery, longer if a major touring exhibition is on.

Location & Getting There

Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7

The Vancouver Art Gallery sits right in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, steps from the Granville and Robson intersection and directly beside šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énk Square (formerly the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza). This central location puts it within easy walking distance of Robson Street shopping, the Vancouver Public Library's Central Branch, and the downtown core's restaurants and hotels.

• SkyTrain: Vancouver City Centre Station is a short walk away
• Bus: Multiple routes stop along Robson, Georgia, and Granville Streets nearby
• Parking: Pay parking is available in nearby lots and parkades; downtown street parking is metered

Good to Know

• The plazas surrounding the Gallery, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énk Square and Robson Square, are public spaces used for community gatherings, protests, and events organized independently of the Gallery.
• The Gallery follows accessibility and inclusion commitments and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.
• Exhibitions rotate regularly, so it's worth checking what's currently on display before visiting, especially if you have a specific artist or collection in mind.

Contact & More Information

• Website: vanartgallery.bc.ca
• Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7

Planning a day of culture in Vancouver? Pair a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery with a stroll through Robson Square, a coffee break on Robson Street, or a trip to one of the city's other museums for a full afternoon downtown.