Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Vancouver, Canada · Museum
About Museum of Anthropology at UBC
The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is a world-renowned cultural institution perched on the cliffs of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. It is celebrated globally for its extensive collection of First Nations art and ethnographic objects from the Pacific Northwest and across the world. Designed by legendary Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the museum's soaring glass-and-concrete structure offers an unforgettable setting for experiencing Indigenous heritage.
Don't miss
- Stand in awe beneath towering carved totem poles in the dramatic, light-filled Great Hall.
- Marvel at Bill Reid's iconic yellow-cedar masterpiece, The Raven and the First Men.
- Walk through the outdoor grounds to view authentic reconstructed Haida and Coast Salish cedar houses.
- Explore the Multiversity Galleries, which display thousands of cultural artifacts from around the globe in visible storage.
Plan your visit
Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy the exhibits with fewer crowds and softer natural light filtering into the Great Hall. Late afternoon on a clear day is also wonderful for catching coastal views over the Georgia Strait from the museum grounds.
Admission is paid, with discounts for youth and seniors, while Indigenous peoples and UBC students typically receive free entry. It is recommended to book timed tickets online in advance, especially during summer weekends.
From downtown Vancouver, take an express bus such as the 14 or 44 directly to the UBC bus loop, followed by a scenic ten-minute walk to the museum. Taxis and rideshare vehicles take approximately 25 to 30 minutes from the city center.
Tips for visiting
- Join an included guided tour to gain deeper cultural context on the prominent Haida and Coast Salish carvings.
- Give yourself extra time to walk the outdoor paths that wind around the totem poles and overlook the water.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes because the vast open-storage galleries span a significant area.
- Check photography signage carefully, as select sacred ceremonial objects are strictly restricted from being photographed.
- Stop by the MOA Shop to browse ethically sourced Indigenous art, jewelry, and books.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC FAQ
Is the Museum of Anthropology wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and wide corridors throughout the main gallery areas. Loaner wheelchairs are also available at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis. The main outdoor paths around the cedar houses are paved and accessible as well.
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Personal photography without flash is permitted throughout most of the permanent galleries. However, certain sacred or culturally sensitive objects are clearly marked with signs prohibiting photography. Tripods, lighting gear, and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the exhibition rooms.
Is there a café or dining option on site?
The museum features a small café serving espresso drinks, baked goods, and light lunch options with patio seating available in good weather. If you want a full meal, plenty of restaurants and cafeterias are located a short walk away on the UBC campus. Outside food and open drink containers are not permitted inside the galleries.
Where can visitors park at the museum?
Pay parking is available directly adjacent to the building in the dedicated museum visitor lot. Additional paid parking garages and campus lots are located within a five-minute walk if the main lot happens to be full. You can pay using the parking meters on site or through a mobile parking app.
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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: poliroberty900, Alex_Agrico on Pixabay.