Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver

The Centennial Museum building, bright white is one of the most identifiable buildings in Vancouver with its odd dome, distinctive shape and waterfront locale. Home to the Vancouver Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, this building is a popular activity for people of all ages. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

The entrance to the Centennial Museum serves both the Vancouver Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

STATS

HOURS

RATES

Type:

Museum

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

3 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Sense of Curiosity, Blanket

The Vancouver Museum, located on Vancouver's picturesque Vanier Park is a great rainy day (or any day) activity for everyone. Whether just enjoying the Museum, or choosing the option to enjoy the three activities in close proximity to each other in Vanier Park (the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre and Maritime Museum) for a combined price, there is much to explore and experience in the largest civic museum in Canada. With dozens of exhibits and an emphasis on the history of Vancouver with hundreds of artifacts dating from one hundred years to present day, there is no shortage of interesting things to learn.

The Vancouver Museum situated on the edge of Vanier Park in a strangely shaped building (designed to be reminiscent of the woven basket hats worn by Northwest Coast First Nations) which it shares with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and adjoining Planetarium. Originally located in Carnegie Library at Main and Hastings which had been open since 1905, it was moved to its current home in Vanier Park after many years and due to its expanding collection, also known as the Centennial Museum.

It is the largest Civic Museum in Canada which focuses on many aspects of Vancouver. Many of the exhibits were donated by travelling locals such as the Egyptian Mummy and the wide range of artifacts from different time periods from Vancouver's past.

This collection of priceless pieces range from the trunks, clothing, photographs and journals kept by immigrants making the journey from Europe to the West Coast and throughout different eras, such as the 20's which saw many frills such as expensive cutlery and china and elaborate dresses to the time of the war in the 40's, the 50's with a diner-like atmosphere tied in with White Spot, a famous British Columbian chain, and the age of free love, the 70's marked with long floral print clothing and a series of picket signs protesting (or supporting a certain cause).

The Vancouver Museum also owns a collection of First Nations art and stories, the true first settlers of the area.

The large variety of items collected and displayed takes visitors through all the hardships, excitement and history of the Vancouver region and the roots of its beginnings. As well as the regular exhibits, the Museum offers special exhibitions celebrating different cultural and natural topics.

The Vancouver Museum is a great place to explore the history of Vancouver, as well; there are many different activities available throughout the year for all ages - children can choose to participate in scavenger hunts or dress up in period clothing while adults browse through the Museum collections. Learning about one of Canada's most popular city's can be a tactile, learning and fun experience at the Vancouver Museum.