Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Museum of Anthropology is a museum that houses a huge collection of archaeological and cultural artifacts. Located on the university's campus in western Vancouver, the museum is just a short drive from the city's center. It is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free for UBC students and their families. Besides being a teaching museum, the Museum of Anthropology also hosts provocative exhibitions and events.
There are approximately 50,000 ethnological objects in the museum's collections. These include historic and contemporary works by Northwest Coast First Nations, South Pacific Islanders, Asian cultures and European ceramics. Most of the museum's exhibits focus on the First Nations of the Northwest Coast. However, the museum also displays art from the South Pacific and Africa.
The Great Hall of the Museum of Anthropology is a soaring glass and concrete structure that allows visitors to enjoy views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This hall also displays the museum's collection of Native American relics. Other highlights include the Koerner Ceramics Gallery, which features European ceramics unique to North America.
Another feature of the Museum of Anthropology is its extensive collection of totem poles. Totem poles from the Haida are particularly well-represented in the museum. Aside from the totem poles, there are other important pieces from the South Pacific and Asia. In addition, the museum has a number of carved sculptures from the Northwest Coast. Some of these sculptures are based on the traditional longhouses of the Haida.
For many, the Museum of Anthropology is a must-see attraction. Visitors can expect to see a huge collection of historical and cultural artifacts, along with exciting exhibitions that present stories about First Nations communities across Canada. The museum's main goal is to help visitors learn more about the cultures of the world and its diverse communities.
Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver is one of the best museums in the region. Located on the campus of the University of British Columbia, the museum boasts an impressive array of Northwest Coast First Nations artwork. Additionally, the museum has a large collection of totem poles from around the world, including the famous Raven and the First Men, which was featured on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill from 2004 to 2012.
In recent years, the museum has undergone a major renovation that included the construction of a new research wing. This wing, which is currently closed for renovation, includes a culturally sensitive research room, laboratories and offices. There is also a 5,800-square-foot Audain Gallery and a year-round cafe.
As of January 16, 2023, the Museum of Anthropology will temporarily close until late 2023 in order to undergo seismic upgrades. When the renovation is completed, the museum will include new engineering features that make it more tolerant of earthquakes. Until then, however, you can still visit the museum.
If you plan to visit the Museum of Anthropology, it's worth paying attention to the hours of operation. The museum is generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 pm, but there are some exceptions. For example, on Thursday evenings, the admission is only CA$10 (about $7.70).
The museum is also often included in the Kidsworld Program, which lets kids ages 4 to 13 enter area attractions for free. Visitors can also check out the Audrey & Harry Hawthorn Library and Archives, which features an array of items from different cultures.