Museum of Anthropology at UBC

One of Canada's great museums, at UBC, renowned for its Northwest Coast First Nations art, Bill Reid's masterwork 'The Raven and the First Men', and Arthur Erickson's soaring Great Hall. Reopened in 2024 after seismic upgrades. It's out at UBC, so budget travel time, but it's worth it.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What's the must-see inside?

Bill Reid's carved yellow cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First Men' is the signature piece, alongside the towering totem poles and house posts in the light-filled Great Hall. The Northwest Coast First Nations collection is the museum's soul. Give the Great Hall unhurried time.

Is it worth the trip out to UBC?

Yes, for anyone interested in Indigenous art and culture it's genuinely world-class and unlike anything downtown. The location makes it a half-day commitment, so pair it with the nearby Nitobe garden or the beach. Casual visitors short on time may weigh the travel.

How long should I spend there?

Two to three hours does it justice, more if you dive into the visible-storage galleries and special exhibitions. It's a place to linger rather than rush. Thursday evenings give you a quieter, cheaper window.

Is it good for kids?

Older kids interested in art and cultures will get a lot from it, especially the dramatic totem poles and carvings. It's a quieter, more contemplative museum than a hands-on one, so very young children may need shorter visits. Family programming runs periodically.

Is the museum open after the renovation?

Yes, MOA reopened in June 2024 after an 18-month, roughly $30.5-million seismic upgrade to the Great Hall. Everything is back on display, including the totem poles and monumental carvings. The building is now structurally reinforced and fully operational.

How much is admission to the Museum of Anthropology?

Adult admission is about $26 CAD, with reduced rates for seniors, non-UBC students, and youth, and free entry for children under 5, Indigenous peoples, and UBC students and staff. Thursday evenings from 5 to 9pm are half-price. Buy online or at the door.

How do I get to MOA from downtown?

It's out at UBC's Point Grey campus, reachable by several buses (the 4, 14, 44, and R4 RapidBus among them) followed by a short walk across campus. Plan on roughly 40 minutes to an hour from downtown. Driving is an option but campus parking is paid.

Is MOA closed any days?

From October 15 to May 15 it's closed on Mondays; the rest of the year it's open seven days a week. It stays open late until 9pm on Thursdays year-round. Always confirm on the museum site before a special trip.

Nearby in Ask Vancouver

• Wreck BeachBeach0.83 km · 10 min walk
• Beaty Biodiversity MuseumMuseum0.91 km · 11 min walk
• Spanish BanksBeach3.41 km · 43 min walk
• Pacific Spirit Regional ParkPark3.63 km · 45 min walk
• Jericho BeachBeach4.4 km · 55 min walk