Top 10 Museums In Vancouver You Should Visit
If you’re planning a visit to the city of rain, you should be prepared to be rained in. No need to worry, tho! There are plenty of museums in Vancouver to keep you entertained on a rainy day.
Lovingly nicknamed “Raincouver”, the city of Vancouver has built its activities around its humid climate. There are tons of things to do in Vancouver, especially indoor. There are more than 28 museums in Vancouver for families, kids, and adults. So buckle in as we introduce all the best ones to you.
Best Museums in Vancouver
Are you ready to check out some museums in Vancouver? Check out the list below.
1. Vancouver Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology is one of the bests Vancouver has to offer. It is often considered a modernist experience. The award-winning building, made in 1976 by Arthur Erickson, is a feat of architecture.
The Museum of Anthropology is dedicated to showcasing Vancouver’s diverse background. The Pacific Northwest Gallery is a permanent exhibit and well-loved, so if you happen to visit, don’t miss out.
2. Museum of Vancouver
While not Vancouver’s number one museum, it’s the best one you could visit to get to know the city. This museum tries to bring together the people of Vancouver and show Vancouver to the world.
There are many exhibitions in MOV to discuss, but a few that grab the most attention are True Tribal, Unity Indigenous Plant Garden, and That Which Sustains Us. Each of these brings a piece of Canada’s past to light. MOV is one of those museums in Vancouver that puts people’s stories on display.
3. H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
If you’re a fan of planetariums, this might be the place for you. This is one of Vancouver museums that could be fun for the whole family. You can pay a visit with your children to bring out the love of stars in them.
Live demonstrations allow you to enjoy the night sky through the half-meter Cassegrain telescope and watch planets, stars, and nebulas. A museum of stars, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, is a great place for some quality family time.
4. Science World
Visiting Science World is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Vancouver. This museum is an interactive experience that can capture your little one’s attention for hours. The organization running Science World is a non-profit and is dedicated to engaging learners in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & design and math).
While this geodesic dome is targeted at children, it does cater to adults as well. Science World Vancouver holds an “After Dark” event that is dedicated to adults and tries to entertain a more mature audience. Whether you’re thinking of taking your kids or having a unique experience as an adult, Science World can deliver.
5. Beaty Biodiversity Museum
As Vancouver’s natural history museum, Beaty Biodiversity can be very interesting. Although this museum has more than 20,000 square feet of interesting bio-history on display, none of that is the crown jewel of the place. The blue whale skeleton in the middle of the museum takes that title.
There are lots of interactive exhibitions on display as well. A hands-on lab named after Allan Yap grabs the attention of the younger generation and dinosaur trackways are guaranteed to entertain.
6. Roedde House Museum
If you have ever wondered what life felt like in the late 19th century, then this place is made for you. Roedde House is one of those museums in Vancouver that has a true feel of history. This is mostly due to the unending efforts of the Roedde House Preservation Society.
Gustave Roedde was the first ever bookbinder in Vancouver. He built the Roedde House in 1893 and lived with his family there until death. Francis Rattenbury designed the house. He was a very famous architect at the time. The house includes many exhibits, but overall, it intends to give you a sense of Victorian history in Vancouver.
7. Vancouver Maritime Museum
Maritime is one of the best museums in Vancouver, especially if you have children. The Maritime Museum tries to bring to light everything you need to know about the sea and ships as a Canadian.
While there are lot to learn and a literal ship to climb, what grabbed our attention the most was the children’s gallery. So many hands-on activities for kids that teach them about the marine history of Vancouver. If you have the opportunity to visit the Maritime Museum with your kids, don’t miss out on it.
8. The Britannia Mine Museum
A big part of Vancouver’s history is intertwined with mining. There is no better place to learn about that than the Britannia mine. This museum was originally a copper mine that provided for Vancouver from 1904 to 1974.
In this museum, you can go through an early haulage tunnel, hear the mill’s story with special effects, and learn about the city’s colorful history. The Britannia mine can be a great day for adults and children alike.
9. Vancouver Art Gallery
As opposed to the last few Vancouver museums on our list, this art gallery is not a place for kids. If visual arts have a place in your heart then you’ll thoroughly enjoy your visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery.
There is a lot on display from local to global artists. Remember that this gallery is more inclined towards visual arts in general, and their view towards art isn’t particularly traditional. A view of Vancouver’s art gallery takes about 2 hours, so plan accordingly.
10. Vancouver Police Museum
This is one of the most interesting museums Vancouver has to offer. The building was previously the Coroner’s Court, City Morgue, and Forensic Analyst Lab, and it’s the perfect place for true crime fans.
Vancouver’s Police Museum is focused on explaining forensic science and its development to the average person. While not the best place to take your kids, this museum can be very interesting to adults.
Conclusion
Museums in Vancouver have no choice but to be interesting. With nature knocking at your doors every day, there is a lot to do outside in this city. Vancouver tourist attractions include many indoor options due to its general weather. If you plan to visit the city, check the rain schedule and buy your tickets in advance.
FAQs
1. Are There Any Free Museums in Vancouver?
There are many free museums in Vancouver. In addition to museums that are generally free of charge, certain days of the year are free museums day. So check your calendars before paying a visit to Vancouver.
2. What Is the Biggest Museum in Vancouver?
The Museum of Vancouver is the biggest museum. While it is not number one on our list, it’s still the biggest and most varied museum you can find in the city.
3. How Many Museums Are in Vancouver?
Vanoucver has about 21 museums at the moment. Some of these museums are targeted towards kids, some towards families, and some for solo adults. If you are planning to visit the city of rain, make sure to leave a few slots for the fascinating museums it has to offer.
