Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) is at Robson Square, on Robson Street. It is the largest gallery of its type in Western Canada, and the fifth largest art gallery in all of Canada. With a collection of over 9,000 pieces, and more than 200 works of art from major artists such as Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, the Vancouver Art Gallery is sure to please.
Originally built in 1931 on West Georgia, it outgrew its location and moved to its current location, which is also a former provincial courthouse. After spending $20 million to renovate the facility, the Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street is over 41,000 square feet, including a gift shop, café and library. The building itself includes iconic columns, a dome, and ornate stonework. To this day, original facades with wording related to the Court House still remain. Out front of the Robson Street Art Gallery is the Centennial Fountain, installed in 1966. The Vancouver Art Gallery is considered a Heritage Structure by the City of Vancouver.
The Vancouver Art Gallery on Robson Street is also a frequent home to protests, and events. As it is a central point in Vancouver, facing two very busy streets, it attracts a wide range of protests and protesters, on a variety of issues. There are also a wide range of parades and local events that take place on the lawns of the Art Gallery, as it does provide a public open space which isn’t easily found in Vancouver.
Protests & Events at the Art Gallery
The steps and stairs of the Art Gallery also attract those looking to get some fresh air, or have lunch on a nice Vancouver day. In the summertime, its not uncommon to see people working on their tans, or relaxing on the steps.
Expansion Plans
Down the road, the Art Gallery is planning on moving to a new location, that is 10x larger than their current location. Construction is expected to be complete by 2013, and will be paid for by private, corporate, and provincial funding.
Vancouver Olympic Clock
Out front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, facing Georgia Street, is the official 2010 Olympic countdown clock. Manned with a 24 hour security guard, the Olympic clock is considered a target of protest and has been deface a couple times already. It is expected to be a major tourist attraction come 2010, as the Olympics come to town.