When a city is as naturally beautiful as Vancouver, British Columbia, it’s no surprise that the beauty is also reflected in the local art scene. Vancouver has one of the most culturally diverse populations in North America, and the influences can be found in the city’s neighborhoods, food, and the local artistic community.

 

The robust, creative landscape is just one factor that makes Vancouver appealing for a visit to Canada, so to get a true feel for the artist community in Vancouver, these are the galleries you should visit and art experiences you must have.

 

Browse fine art along South Granville Gallery Row
Home to one of the largest concentrations of independent art galleries in all of Vancouver, Gallery Row in South Granville is where you’ll find powerful artwork by the city’s First Nations residents, Asian art, contemporary paintings, and photography and rare, unique, and antique pieces. Be sure to visit Bau-Xi, the oldest and one of the more well-known contemporary art galleries in Vancouver that has been in business since 1965.

 

Wander through the Vancouver Art Gallery
The largest art gallery in Western Canada, and the fifth largest in all of Canada, Vancouver Art Gallery is where to go if you want to see work by famous artists like Andy Warhol, creations by Canadian artists, and special exhibits like the Guo Pei showcase, which features the 2015 Met Gala dress worn by Rihanna.

 

Photo courtesy of Inside Vancouver

 

Explore First Nations art at Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery
The work of Canada’s First Nations and Inuit people is the focus at Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery, which has been highlighting the cultural heritage and diversity of the population since 1996. The gallery, located in the heart of bustling Gastown, features jewelry, sculptures, woven baskets that are for sale as well as temporary exhibits.

 

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Spend the afternoon art hopping on Granville Island
Shop for original pieces when you visit Granville Island, a peninsula and shopping area that is must if it’s your first time to the city.  Here you’ll find everything from ceramic shops to a glass art studio, and since the galleries are often run by the artists themselves, you’ll get the chance to chat with the creators first-hand.

 

Go on a street art tour

See how Van City does street art during a stroll down Industrial Avenue, where you’ll find outdoor murals by the city’s coolest artists. Public art can also be found on the warehouse along Southern Street, and the city hosts the Vancouver Mural Festival every August in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood for those that want to really want to be immersed in the scene.

 

Photo courtesy of Vancouver Mural Fest

 

Escape to Burnaby Art Gallery
Between the historical heritage exhibits and temporary, contemporary art shows, Burnaby Art Gallery has a wide range of pieces to enjoy during a visit to the landmark. The gallery is just a 17-minute drive outside of Vancouver and is known for showcasing a diverse roster of creators from around the world.