Vancouver, British Columbia is home to a plethora of museums that cater to a variety of interests. From art to history to science, there is something for everyone to explore and learn about in these institutions. In this article, we will take a closer look at all of the museums in Vancouver and provide information on admission costs, weekly savings, and the best times to visit for less crowds.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s leading museums of world arts and cultures. The museum’s collections comprise of over 50,000 objects from around the world, including Northwest Coast First Nations art and artifacts. General admission costs $18 for adults, $16 for seniors (65+), $12 for youth (6-18), and children under 6 are free. The museum offers free admission to Indigenous Peoples, UBC students, faculty and staff, and individuals accompanying persons with disabilities. Every Tuesday from 5 pm – 9 pm, admission to the museum is by donation.
Science World
Science World is a science centre located in the heart of Vancouver. The museum features interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, and immersive experiences that are designed to make learning about science fun and engaging. General admission costs $27 for adults, $24 for seniors (65+), $21 for youth (13-18), $18 for children (3-12), and children under 3 are free. On the first Thursday of every month, admission to Science World is by donation from 5 pm – 8 pm.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is the fifth-largest art gallery in Canada and features works by Canadian and international artists. The gallery is home to over 12,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. General admission costs $24 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+), $18 for students with valid ID, $16 for youth (13-18), and children under 12 are free. Every Tuesday from 5 pm – 9 pm, admission to the gallery is by donation.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is dedicated to the work of Bill Reid and other contemporary Indigenous artists from the Northwest Coast. The gallery features rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops that explore the art and culture of the region. General admission costs $13 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $6 for students with valid ID, and children under 12 are free. Admission is by donation every Thursday from 5 pm – 9 pm.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the maritime history and culture of the Pacific Northwest. The museum’s collections include over 15,000 artifacts, models, and documents that showcase the region’s rich maritime heritage. General admission costs $13 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $8 for students with valid ID, and children under 6 are free. Admission is by donation on the last Thursday of every month from 5 pm – 8 pm.
Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is dedicated to exploring the history, culture, and identity of Vancouver. The museum’s collections feature over 75,000 artifacts that tell the story of the city’s development over time. General admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), $11 for students with valid ID, $9 for youth (5-18), and children under 5 are free. Admission is by donation on the last Thursday of every month from 5 pm – 8 pm.
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a space science education centre located near the waterfront in Vancouver. The centre features interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and planetarium shows that explore the wonders of space and astronomy. General admission costs $24 for adults, $21 for seniors (65+), $18 for youth (13-18), $15 for children (5-12), and children under 5 are free. On the first Thursday of every month, admission to the centre is by donation from 5 pm – 8 pm.
Vancouver Police Museum
The Vancouver Police Museum is located in the historic Gastown neighbourhood of Vancouver and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Vancouver Police Department. The museum’s collections feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that showcase the evolution of law enforcement in the city. General admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $8 for students with valid ID, and children under 6 are free. Admission is by donation every Thursday from 5 pm – 8 pm.
Best Times to Visit for Less Crowds
The best times to visit the museums in Vancouver for less crowds are generally on weekdays, especially during the early morning or late afternoon. Many of the museums have extended hours on certain days of the week, such as evenings or weekends, which can also be good times to visit. Additionally, some of the museums offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the week, which can be a great way to save money and avoid crowds.
Weekly Savings
Several of the museums in Vancouver offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the week. The Museum of Anthropology at UBC offers admission by donation every Tuesday from 5 pm – 9 pm, and Science World offers admission by donation on the first Thursday of every month from 5 pm – 8 pm. The Vancouver Art Gallery and the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art offer admission by donation every Tuesday from 5 pm – 9 pm and Thursday from 5 pm – 9 pm, respectively. The Vancouver Maritime Museum and the Museum of Vancouver offer admission by donation on the last Thursday of every month from 5 pm – 8 pm.
Vancouver has a diverse array of museums to explore and learn from. Whether you are interested in art, science, history, or culture, there is a museum that will satisfy your curiosity. By taking advantage of the admission discounts and visiting during less crowded times, you can enjoy all that these institutions have to offer without breaking the bank or feeling overwhelmed by crowds.