Museum of Anthropology

There are a few smart ways to make the most out of a trip to the Museum of Anthropology. Bright afternoons offer beautiful natural light in the airy galleries, while weekday mornings tend to be quieter. The journey is straightforward, blending easy bus routes with short, scenic walks if coming from downtown Vancouver. Summer brings larger groups but also the chance to stroll around bursting gardens and open-air installations. Timed admission tickets are recommended on busy weekends. Visiting students, families, seniors, and travelers with accessibility needs all find the site welcoming, though some outdoor paths may be uneven.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings and late afternoons; May to early October for gardens.
• How to get there: Take bus 99 or 25 to University of British Columbia, then walk 10–15 minutes. Bike lanes and parking available onsite.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, stroller-friendly galleries. Some outside trails are gravel.
• Average visit duration: 2–3 hours for a solid overview; add extra time for guided tours.

The Museum of Anthropology’s highlights revolve around both the grandeur of its First Nations collection and the discoveries tucked into side galleries. Traditional Coast Salish and Haida totem poles soar in the Great Hall, their polished cedar surfaces glowing under skylights. Rows of carved masks, bentwood boxes, and woven baskets show how traditional art meets daily life. Rotating exhibitions feature everything from contemporary Indigenous fashion to global artifacts like Papua New Guinea ceremonial headdresses. Don’t overlook the Bill Reid Rotunda, home to the famous sculpture "The Raven and the First Men," or the quiet outdoor Haida houses and reflecting pools just beyond the main building.

• Key sights: Great Hall totem poles, Bill Reid’s "The Raven and the First Men," Multiversity Galleries with global artifacts, outdoor Haida houses.
• Unique experiences: Participate in a hands-on workshop or catch an artist in residence at work; explore the textile study room.
• Photo-worthy locations: Sunlit Great Hall, mirrored reflecting pool, entrance framed by tall cedars, panoramic view of Burrard Inlet.
• Cultural facts: The museum houses over 50,000 objects, with special focus on Northwest Coast art and culture. Large windows in the Great Hall purposely echo the forests where totems once stood.