Contemporary art galleries in Vancouver

During Vancouver’s long rainy season, it’s important to find ways to fill up your free time with indoor activities to help tide you over until the springtime. Well, here’s an idea for you: why not visit a few of these contemporary galleries and get acquainted with the city’s emerging art scene and up-and-coming local talent.

Contemporary art galleries in Vancouver
Sarah Chen By

Vancouver Art Gallery

1
750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7

The Vancouver Art Gallery is single-handedly the biggest and most well known gallery in the Lower Mainland. If you haven’t already been, you will definitely need to check it out at least once. They usually have multiple exhibits happening at once on different levels of the gallery, featuring a diverse range of historical and contemporary artworks from international and local artists. If you’re new to the Vancouver art scene, this is a good place to start.

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Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery

2
1825 Main Mall, Vanouver, BC V6T 1Z2

The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery is based at the University of British Columbia and showcases contemporary artists from the West Coast and abroad. What’s unique about this gallery is it’s distinct architecture. Unlike many other galleries that have been established in pre-existing buildings, this gallery was specifically designed to serve as an exhibition space. Touring through the gallery and allowing the space to lead you through an artistic discovery is an experience of its own.

Contemporary Art Gallery

3
555 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6R5

The name of this gallery speaks for itself. The Contemporary Art Gallery is an independent gallery that features both Canadian and international artists while aiming to make modern art accessible to the public. This gallery has a free admission, and offers public art programs for children and adults by donation.

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Catriona Jeffries Gallery

4
950 Cordova St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1M6

It’s nice to see old industrial buildings get repurposed, and we get just that at the Catriona Jeffries Gallery. Located in East Vancouver, the Catriona Jeffries Gallery makes its home in an old auto-parts warehouse, and the open-concept interior offers an ideal exhibition space for large, ambitious projects. Additionally, the gallery also produces its own publications for those interested in reading up on contemporary art theories.

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Artspeak Ltd

5
233 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2

Modern art isn’t limited to the visual. This non-profit, artist-run gallery in Gastown aims to foster a connection between the visual arts and the written word. Artspeak serves to bring opportunities to local emerging artists (as well as artists from other locations) and showcases interdisciplinary, mixed-media projects.

Western Front Society

6
303 8th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1S1

Western Front pushes the boundaries of contemporary art into something almost futuristic. The artist-led initiative not only experiments with new art practices, but with new music as well. Exhibitions range from experimental music performances to artworks created with digital technology.

Gam Gallery

7
110 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1N4

If you’d like to go beyond just visiting a gallery and you’re interested in getting involved in the local art scene, the Gam Gallery is the place for you. The Gastown gallery not only hosts a number of art-focused programs (including model drawing for those aspiring artists out there), it also contributes to city events such as the Vancouver Art Walk. Part gallery, part studio space and part boutique – the artistic hub is a true part of Downtown Eastside community, where art aficionados will feel welcome among other like-minded individuals.

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Sarah Chen is a former nomad who has currently made Vancouver her home. She is currently working as a Graphic Artist and spends her free time outside of work exploring and photographing the city. When she’s not out, she is at home reading a book or watching a Korean drama. If you spot her roaming the city, she’d love for you to come say hi.
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