Overlooking English Bay, The Museum of Anthropology feels like it’s part of its landscape. Despite the contrast of nature and concrete, Arthur Erickson’s iconic building seems to emerge from the earth. It’s a remarkable structure that reflects the world-class, original work of the museum, which hosts one of the world’s finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations art in addition to multiple indigenous art shows from a range of cultures.
“I think it’s a really moving building,” explains Dr. Anthony Shelton, Director of The Museum of Anthropology, who joined the museum in 2004, and oversaw a multi-year expansion project that increased the museum’s size by 50 percent. “Most museums are closed spaces, with no natural light. Here, there are huge windows and vistas to view the surrounding landscape.”
Upon entering, visitors walk down a ramp to reach the Great Hall: a vast chamber with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Yet it’s the stunning totem poles that command attention. Art and landscape are harmonized. Both are monumental.
Beautiful site, beautiful sight: phenomenal BC Native art and Pacific rim. The building itself is superb. A must see is the phenomenal European ceramic exhibit hidden in a dark corner behind the gift shop.