New & Notable Art Galleries
Great art should provoke an emotion and leave a lasting impression. Many cities have had the chance to provide the masses with this opportunity. We are very excited that Vancouver has three new galleries that are either now open or opening soon for all of us art enthusiasts to enjoy.
Audain Art Museum
Nestled in a wooded area at the base of Blackcomb Mountain near Whistler Village is the newly opened Audain Art Museum designed by architect John Patkau. The 56,000 square foot gallery features a collection of First Nations art over the last 200 years. Works of Emily Carr, E.J. Hughes, Stan Douglas, Rodney Graham, Jeff Wall and Ian Wallace are permanently represented there. The building (which cost $30 million to build) and the art collection was donated by Polygon Homes’ chairman, Michael Audain and his wife Yoshiko Karasawa. The angular, dark metal-clad structure was designed to blend into the forest that surrounds it with only one tree removed on the site to build it. This museum is definitely a stop on your next trip to Whistler.
The Polygon Gallery
Another notable gallery designed by Patkau Architects is The Polygon Gallery located in North Vancouver. The new public art gallery is a part of the revitalization effort to turn the waterfront on the North Shore into a new cultural hub. Upon completion in 2017, the 19,000 square foot space will feature contemporary art from local Vancouver artists. The building will have space for galleries, events and community engagement and is accessible to all with affordable admission fees – $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free of charge for youth and children.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Located at West Georgia and Cambie Streets in downtown Vancouver will be the new home of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The winning design for the new building that features a wood exterior is by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and will have 85,000 square feet of exhibition space and includes a new education centre with a large 350-seat auditorium, library services and archives. The project cost is estimated at $350 million and will be underway once all the funds are raised.
