Art in the City: The Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Located on Robson Street, the first home of the Vancouver Art Gallery was one street north on Georgia Street. In 1951 the gallery was expanded to three times its size in order to accommodate the growing population, and eventually moved to accommodate the crowds.
Vancouver Art Gallery Permanent Exhibit
The permanent collection of the art gallery is over 9,000 pieces of art. It is the largest collection of fine art in British Columbia. The permanent collection was started in 1931 and is growing every year. It features works from local artists (Emily Carr, Lawren Harris and Bill Reid) as well as artists from all over Canada and the USA (Roy Arden, Cindy Sherman, and Thomas Struth).
Current Exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Current exhibitions on at the Vancouver Art Gallery or ‘the VAG’ as it is called by locals include, The Modern Woman: Drawings by Degas, Renoir, Toulouse Lautrec and other masterpieces form the Musee d’Orsay in Paris., Fiona Tan, Kerry James Marshall, and Offsite: Ken Lumm.
The drawings from the Musee D’Orsay are the largest ever assembled exhibition of drawings from the world renowned Museum. Featuring over 90 drawings from the masters of the 19th Century, this exhibition is imperative for all art lovers.
Amsterdam- based artist Fiona Tan’s video installations and photographs are a result of a three year process. Exploring identity in an increasingly global culture, Fiona’s work is both personal and public, both documentary and projectile.
American painter Kerry Marshall explores social responsibility and the role of the African American in American culture. Both rural and urban scenes in his work depict the last 50 years and investigate the failed Utopian promises of post World War II society.
Offsite is literally that- another art site off the premises of the VAG. Located at 1100 Georgia Street artist Ken Lumm has replicated 3 squatter’s shacks from the Maplewood Mudflats Settlements. In sites that change location, Offsite offers a contemporary up to the minute viewpoint for the general public. Pieces are site- specific and are changed every 6 months.
Vancouver Art Gallery Cafe
the Gallery Café and Catering offers a classic and casual dining experience. Classical music, breathtaking floral arrangements and one of the best outdoor patios in the city complete the experience. Enjoy a wide range of delicacies from elegant entrees and tasty soups and salads to sinfully decadent desserts before or after your visit to the gallery.
Hours
Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri 9am–6pm
Tues 9am–9pm
Sat/Sun 10am–6pm
Contact Us
Phone: 604.688.2233
Fax: 604.688.2236
Email: info@thegallerycafe.ca
Website: www.thegallerycafe.ca
Vancouver Art Gallery History
The current home of the Vancouver Art Gallery is in the old courthouse building, a neo classical design of architect Francis Rattenbury. Built in 1905 the old courthouse is one of many well known buildings designed by Rattenbury, who also designed the Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings in Victoria.
The entire building was converted into an art gallery by Arthur Erikson Architects in 1981, save for the annex on the west side of the building, authorities declared it a heritage site and it remains untouched , the judges’ chambers still inside. The project saw the old courthouse magically redesigned into a space that was both neo classical and modern, old and new.
If you're interested in a career with VAG, please visit the job postings at http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/get_involved/employment.html
For more information on the VAG, hours and ticket prices go to: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/index.html
- By Melissa Montgomery