Sometimes overshadowed by the more famous and visible cultural institutions, like the Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver is definitely worth a visit.
Located in picturesque Kits Point, adjacent to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and nearby Maritime Museum, the MOV is a hidden gem. The museum is divided into two spaces, the east wing catering to visiting exhibitions and the west wing, the permanent collection.
Currently the east wing is featuring “Bhangra.me : Vancouver’s Bhangra Story” in
collaboration with the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society the exhibition runs until October 23, 2011. A collection of oral recollections, personal artifacts, instruments, costumes, posters, pictures and music it tells the history of South Asians in Vancouver and how Bhangra is integral to their local and international cultural identity.
In the west wing you wind your way through the permanent collections as they tell the story of Vancouver, from it’s humble, logging village beginnings to the tumultuous 60’s through to the modern day. Great artifacts and memories abound as you peak into each vignette and display.
Although a smaller scale than some of it’s larger competitors the Museum of Vancouver isn’t any less packed with history and information. It should be on everyone’s list to check out and learn a bit more about Vancouver.
The Museum of Vancouver is located at 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver BC
Hours:
Winter (Sept – June) : Tues-Sun 10am – 5pm, Thurs 10am – 8pm, Mon Closed
Summer (July – Aug) : Mon-Sun 10am – 5pm, Thurs 10am – 8pm