Checking out inspiring local and international art and artists doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free (or almost free) exhibitions all over the West Coast. We’ve short-listed 8 galleries and museums to get you started.
Langley Centennial Museum | Admission by donation
9135 King Street, Fort Langley, BC
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10AM – 4:45PM, Sunday: 1PM – 4:45PM
The Langley Centennial Museum offers two different exhibition experiences. The National Exhibition Centre displays temporary exhibitions of art, history, or science ranging from a local to an international focus. The exhibitions change several times a year and may include Canadian art, quilts, fossils, or photography. The History Galleries reflect Langley’s place as one of the oldest municipalities in British Columbia. On display are indigenous wood-carvings, tools, stone sculptures, and basketry. There is also a gift shop featuring unique items handcrafted by local artists and artisans. For more information, visit www.museum.tol.ca.
The Gallery at Queen’s Park | Free Admission
Centennial Lodge, Queen’s Park, New Westminster
Hours: Monday/Tuesday: By appointment, Wednesday: 1PM – 8PM, Thursday to Sunday 1PM – 5PM
The Gallery at Queen’s Park serves as the hub for arts in New Westminster. The gallery’s focus is on displaying visual 2D and 3D art as well as facilitating arts events for emerging and established local artists. It’s open year-round and presents 11 exhibitions each year. For more information, visit www.artscouncilnewwest.org/gallery.
Burnaby Art Gallery | Admission by donation
6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10AM – 4:30PM, Saturday and Sunday, 12PM – 5PM
The Burnaby Art Gallery features contemporary and historical exhibits by local, regional, national, and international artists. The gallery provides educational programming for children, adults, and seniors. They also curate many free offsite exhibitions throughout the community. For more information, visit www.burnaby.ca.
The Polygon Gallery | Admission by donation
101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10AM – 5PM, closed Mondays
The Polygon Gallery’s new home is a beautiful modern waterfront landmark building in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale, just a quick walk from the SeaBus terminal. The gallery has a focus on contemporary visual exhibits, highlighting photography and media-based art. For more information, visit www.thepolygon.ca.
West Vancouver Art Museum | Admission by donation
680 17thStreet, West Vancouver, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11AM – 5PM, closed Sundays and Mondays
The West Vancouver Art Museum’s focus is on art, architecture, cultural history and design. They also have a robust schedule of artist talks and other educational programs to inspire people of all ages. For more information, visit www.westvancouverartmuseum.ca.
Contemporary Art Gallery | Free Admission
555 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12PM – 6PM
Located in downtown Vancouver, the Contemporary Art Gallery features artists from Canada and around the world. The gallery also works with many artists to produce off-site projects, residencies, learning, community engagement programs, and numerous events. All of the gallery’s programs are free of charge unless otherwise stated. To find out more, visit www.contemporaryartgallery.ca.
Catriona Jeffries Gallery | Free Admission
950 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12PM – 5PM
The Catriona Jeffries Gallery has an international reputation as one of the most important commercial contemporary art galleries in Vancouver. It focuses on conceptual art practices that have emerged from the West Coast and risen to international prominence. To find out what’s currently on display, visit www.catrionajeffries.com.
Whistler Museum & Archives | Admission by donation
4333 Main Street, Whistler, BC
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 11PM – 5PM/Tues, Thurs: 11AM – 9PM
There’s much more to Whistler than skiing and snowboarding. The Whistler Museum focuses on the collection, preservation, and documentation of the natural and human history of mountain life. Discover Whistler’s unique culture and history from stories of pioneers, to the creation of the world-renowned mountain resort, and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. For more information, visit www.whistlermuseum.org.
Story by West Coast Curated
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