Vancouver Police Museum & Archives

The Vancouver Police Museum & Archives opened in 1986 to mark the centennial of the Vancouver Police Department and the city. It occupies a heritage building purpose-built in 1932 for the City Coroner's Services, which housed the Coroner's Court, morgue and autopsy facilities until 1980.

The original morgue and autopsy suite are a permanent exhibit. The collection of about 30,000 objects, roughly 40% of it on display, includes archival photographs and documents, confiscated weapons, counterfeit currency and police memorabilia. The museum runs programs for children, youth and adults, and is operated by the non-profit Vancouver Police Historical Society.

Highlights at Vancouver Police Museum & Archives

• Original 1932 morgue and autopsy suite
• Confiscated weapons and counterfeit currency displays
• Archival photos and case files
• Forensic programs for kids and youth
• Small bookshop
• No elevator: four exterior steps and 2.5 flights of stairs inside

Location: where Vancouver Police Museum & Archives is

Vancouver Police Museum & Archives is at 240 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3.

• Gastown and the Steam Clock (about 10 min walk)
• Chinatown and the Chinese Canadian Museum (about 10 min walk)
• Firehall Arts Centre (around the corner)
• Waterfront Station (about 15 min walk)

Getting there and parking

Walk from Gastown or about 15 minutes from Waterfront Station. Buses run along East Hastings Street, one block south.

Good for

• Rainy days
• True crime fans
• Teens
• History

Vancouver Police Museum & Archives: frequently asked questions

When is the Vancouver Police Museum open?
It opens Thursday to Sunday and is closed Monday to Wednesday and on statutory holidays; check the website for current hours.

Is the Vancouver Police Museum wheelchair accessible?
No. The heritage building has no elevator, with steps at the entrance and stairs inside; call ahead to discuss options.