5 top art galleries in Vancouver

Founded in 1931, the permanent collection of the gallery consists of 11.000 artworks including over 200 works by Emily Carr, The Group of Seven, Jeff Wall, Harry Callahan and Marc Chagall. The gallery hosts regular touring exhibits and lectures, it is home to a gift shop and a cute cafe. On Tuesday evenings from 5 to 9 pm admission is by donation.

Hidden behind the unassuming doors of the Rennie Museum is one of Canada’s largest collections of contemporary art. Opened in 2009, the collection focuses on topics that surround identity, social commentary, injustice and appropriation. Entrance is free but the museum is only open to the public on Saturdays by appointment. Be sure to book ahead!

Known previously as the Presentation House Gallery, this North Van gallery is the largest non-profit photographic gallery in Western Canada. Operating since 1981, The Polygon focuses on – but is not limited to – contemporary photography with an emphasis on Canadian work. The gallery itself is a modern and bright 25.000-square-feet (2322-square-metre) building with stunning water views.

Next door neighbours to each other, the Monte Clark Gallery and Equinox Gallery are both contemporary galleries exhibiting local, national and select international up-and-coming and established artists. The galleries have similar industrial-chic interiors and are tucked behind the prestigious Emily Carr University of Art + Design’s new campus.

Established in 1994, this is one of the few Vancouver galleries to have an international reputation. The contemporary gallery focuses on post-conceptual art and shows work from well-known local artists such as Ian Wallace and Brian Jungen. Everything about the gallery has been deeply considered, including the ‘urban void’ gravel garden. Each crunchy footstep transitions you from the outside to the inside.