The Vancouver Art Gallery now stands at the threshold of one of the most exciting moments in our history. After more than a decade of research and planning for a new Gallery, we are moving forward with our vision to create an innovative and inspiring visual art museum that enriches lives and plays a pivotal role in enhancing Vancouver and British Columbia’s reputation as a vibrant, creative, and desirable place to live, work and visit.
In April 2013, Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to designate two-thirds of a site at West Georgia and Cambie Streets for a new Vancouver Art Gallery. Our journey has now begun. Architects, Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, Internationally renowned for their innovative and elegant buildings and their significant contribution to the design of contemporary museums.
THE NEW BUILDING
By the numbers:
Cost of the new Vancouver Art Gallery: $400 millionBreakdown
• Building: $350 million
• Education and community programs: $40 million
• Art commissions: $10 million
• Site (not included above): $100 million
• Raised so far: $240 million ($100 million from Audain Foundation, $90 million other private sources, $50 million from B.C.)
• Needed: $160 million
Through extensive studies, the Gallery has determined the need for a building of approximately 310,000 square feet with a minimum of 25,000 square feet of exterior space to meet the current and future needs of the community it serves. This includes:
Through extensive studies, the Gallery has determined the need for a building of approximately 310,000 square feet with a minimum of 25,000 square feet of exterior space to meet the current and future needs of the community it serves. This includes:
- More than double our current exhibition space
- Dedicated galleries to showcase much more of the Gallery’s art collection
- Greatly expanded school, family and children’s programming
- An auditorium (approximately 300 seats) for lectures, films, classes, art performances and more
- Sufficient outdoor space for the presentation of art and public programs
- Welcoming lobby and public gathering spaces that serve as a “Town Square” for the 21st century
- A larger Gallery Store and a variety of food services designed for the comfort and enjoyment of visitors
- Dynamic indoor and outdoor event spaces for public and private programs
- State-of-the-art HVAC systems, collection storage, and conservation labs to house and protect the growing collection for future generation
Situated at the intersection of West Georgia and Cambie Streets, this city-owned site is at a vital cultural crossroads. It is located in a dynamic part of the downtown core, adjacent to other cultural amenities, retail, commercial and residential areas, and public transit.
The new Vancouver Art Gallery will serve as a connector of many important and diverse communities, including Downtown Vancouver, Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown and East Vancouver. Like the Gallery, these areas are steeped in a rich sense of history even as they continue to grow and evolve.