Awesome exhibit & fun location. While visiting Vancouver my partner and I wanted to check out the local sights. We took the False Creek Ferry (fun little trip!) to the museum stop and walked .6 kilometers to the Museum of Vancouver. They currently have a Happiness exhibit and it totally rad! We spent 3 hours checking out the art and we are still joyfully reflecting on the experience.

I have to tell you, I've been here a few times and seen the 50's memorabilia and been curious. Lots of Neon, ok i get it.
However when I came to see the museum, there was the Happy Exhibit!
Which was interactive, informative and fun.
With Gum-ball machines which you get a free gum by displaying how happy you are. A bicycle in the middle of a great big room on a platform, which you can ride and... more

Very small museum. Only took me one hour to go through it. Not worth the price. Do not recommend.

The fountain is quite impressive...Inside, they have nice exhibits for rainy days, when tired of the planetarium or the maritime museum.The jukebox and and the car from the sixties are pretty nice.There is also a focus on the japanese community and what happened to them during the second world war.The neon exhibit isn't much but some people may find the dress exhibit interesting. As you enter... more

One of the things I like to do when I go to a new city is check out the local history museum. So my DH and I walked across Burrard Bridge on a rainy October day to check it out.

Tip- I checked in when we got there and unlocked an admission discount. You should too!

The seasonal exhibit was focused on women's clothing before and during wartime. What I really liked was the number of Christian... more

A small museum chronicling Vancouver's history. The changing exhibits can be quite cool. From Drug paraphernalia, to undergarments.

Well-done, informative and engaging little museum

I've discovered the best way to enjoy a city is to first understand its significance to the world, thus we should have come here first! After exploring this little well-done collection of Vancouver's highlights it was easier to understand how and why it exists in each of its cultural and political waves. Organized chronologically the self-guided walk takes you through... more

The mov

Very nice museum lots of history on the area very well put together. I wasn't expecting too much but they have done a wonderful job on putting this together. LOTS to see and take in. Will take you about 2.5 hours to get through this if you take your time and read everything there is to see.
Don't forget your... more

Well done

I loved this museum. I didn't expect to. The hubs wanted to go. But the museum was fantastic. The neon exhibit was fascinating as was the urban wildlife exhibit. Both were good at introducing a visitor to the culture and ecology of Vancouver. The history half was equally fascinating. I loved all the stories that had been gathered by people... more

Average.Needs Work To Compete

The architecture of the building, and the metal sculpture outside its' front doors are truly amazing! I was impressed with both new and old exhibits at the museum. They were all very well presented. Informative, and well lit. However, there seemed to be a huge amount of empty display space. Which left me thinking that not very much effort is... more

moments of nostalgia

A visit to the Museum of Vancouver is an absolute must especially for those that were born, raised and educated in Vancouver. The photos and exhibits (especially an actual Ford Fairlane) brings back the past so vividly that if you'd close your eyes you're living your life all over again. Visitors to our fair city will marvel at just how... more

Glad I had planned other things to do that day

I really don't mean any disrespect to the MOV, I may not be a 'museum-y' type person but this was quintessentially a waste of time. The exhibits were dry and almost irrelevant when pertaining to history of the city....I had my sons with me who are pre/teen and we were looking for a place to take a nap, yawn... Apparently... more

Small but interesting

This lovely museum has some interesting exhibits which outline the history of the development of the City of Vancouver. When I visited, there was a temporary exhibit about the changes in wildlife in & around the city, and another about the use of neon and the restrictions placed on it.

Very interesting exhibits every time we go

I enjoy this museum. Every time we go there is a new exhibit that I find interesting. Currently showing are the animals that have lived around Vancouver and the ones that have become extinct. It was sad to know the last wolf was shot around the Kits area many years ago. Anyways, the fashion exhibit was awesome too. Worth the... more

You will not be disapointed

I went to this museum and I was quite impressed. I had no idea there was so much to see in this building. I went especially for the Neon signs as I am doing a project and I loved the Smilin' Buddha. I liked the history of what happened in Vancouver years past and the story of the hippie movement.... more

OK but not outstanding

For the size of the building I would have expected more exhibits. There is too much space with very little to look at. The best part for me was the video showing the streets of Vancouver as seen from the front of a tram taken way back in 1907 as it makes its way around the city. You can almost... more

I'm from out of town and my trip to this museum was very disappointing. I was surprised by how small it was.You can get through the entire museum within 30 minutes.

I enjoyed the flash back exhibits (1900s-1970s) but that's pretty much it. Very little about the wildlife in Vancouver; that exhibit could've been expanded. Very little about famous local citizens unless you count the man who had... more

Museum of Vancouver

We were hoping to find a place that had an overall history of Vancouver. It did not have much on the origins of the city or the native people. There was quite a bit about Vancouver in the 50s, 60s. There was lots about the city that wasn't - i.e. failed building plans. Not sure why that would be a... more

Worth a visit

The first challenge was to find the place. All the other facilities in the park were signposted but not the museum, or MOV as it seems to be called. We eventually went into the space centre to ask for directions and found that this once-futuristic structure also houses the museum. There was some story about their banner having been blown... more

A good museum but not well placed for the city

We had wanted to see the Anthropology Museum but were told at our hotel that we would have to take three buses and then walk. Knowing how tiring museums can be we decided not to go.
Since the Museum of Vancouver was also on our list, we hoped that some items of native life would be on display. To get... more

Some missed opportunities

We come from London, so it is sometimes hard for us to imagine that Vancouver as a city has only existed for around 150 years. There was little on the area when occupied by Musqueam people, which seemed a shame. We know that the museum of anthropology has a lot of info about the First Nations, but it would have... more

Interesting for locals who like museums

This museum is in a beautiful location in Vanier Park, with views of the water. The museum itself is large, but a bit sparse. There is a lot of text, but not a lot of original artifacts. A few things stood out, particularly the plaster mock-up used to create the lions on the Lion's Gate Bridge. There is a good... more

Could do better

The permanent exhibitions are lacking in substance.
If you have 15 minutes to kill, take a turn round the museum, but the entry fee is not justified.
The temporary exhibitions are more inspired though.

Great overview of Vancouver

MOV gives you a great overview of Vancouver, from how it started, why the site was chosen, etc. There was a great section on the Vancouver Neon lighting, and how it became established and then declined. A section on street photographers was also there. This museum is geared more for adults (when I visited they had a fairly graphic section... more

Not very interesting

Mildly interesting. My teenage children managed 30 minutes before leaving. My advice is to spend your hard earned cash on something worthwhile !

Lots of insights into the people and history of Vancouver

This museum isn't huge but it is full of interesting information about Vancouver's development and history. When I visited there were also exhibitions on sex and sexuality in Vancouver, local street photography and neon signs. The staff are friendly, helpful and enthusiastic.Spend two hours here and you will gain a new perspective on the city.

Nice

We had a few days in Vancouver and figured we do something different. Very fascinating history. We walked around the park around that area and Granville Island is very near.
The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable.

Educational Museum but not Tourist City Central

We attended July 12,2013 after our Vancouver City Harbour Vessel Tour. We did find this museum on our tourist map but was a little difficult to find and took us approx. 30minurtes through many streets, over a water bridge to a point of land near the St. Roche Maritime Tourist Attraction. I wish as others have said on reviews, sort... more

Very educational

Tons to see and very educational and cheap to get in. The museum is also located very close to the beach and parks. After you visit you can go to the beach

Summer 2013 exhibits were great

While the permanent exhibits were very educational in a more traditional museum way, the Neon, Foncie's Fotos, and Sex Talk in the City exhibits were great! The exhibits were definitely more oriented towards an older audience that would appreciate Vancouver's history. There were activities for younger kids, but most of the material there seemed to be intended for a older... more

Hidden away

I think this museum may have in fact moved now but I am not certain. When I visited it was in the same building as the popular planetarium. It is a little hidden and many people do not know it is there until they visit the Planetarium. It is informative and features visiting exhibits but I think they need a... more

This isn't the world's biggest museum, but it does show a lot about the history of our city - something many residents are sadly unaware of.

Parking is available in front (pay), but there are many many free spots a block away.

The museum layout is actually quite confusing - it's not linear or straight at all. I found the best way about this was to pick a way and follow it continuously,... more

Great City Museum

This museum is not your usual stuffy history museum. They clearly take risks and present thoughtful, interesting and entertaining exhibitions. We went for the Tobias Wong show and spent another hour going through the rest of the museum. I am so glad we made time on our last visit to see the MOV, and we will definitely return for future... more

Chronicles the story of the City of Vancouver

One of the museums you'd just have to visit if you're the type of traveler who goes to places not just to see the sights, but also learn more about the "soul" of the place you're visiting.
Adjacent to the HR Mcmillan Science Center, I'd say this museum tells the story of Vancouver throughout each decade and its multicultural population... more

Worth a visit

I visited this museum for the very first time a few years ago and really liked what they had on display. I recommend this museum to any visitor who come to Vancouver to get an idea of what we are all about!

Not just for tourists

Thoroughly enjoyed the Tobias Wong exhibition A+. Great place to learn about our area's own great talent aswell as its history. While i was there i also saw the exhibition on Vancouver's neon signs from 50s, 60s that used illuminate the city streets. Spent a bit less time in the local history section ( pretty much up to date on... more

Good on later history, weak on earlier parts

An interesting place to spend an hour or so, though probably not longer. It is stronger on Vancouver's more recent history - if you want the First Nation's aspect go to the Museum of Anthropology. There's an interesting gallery on the history of neon lighting in Vancouver (more interesting than it sounds!)
The adjacent MacMillan Space Centre (housed in the... more

Enjoy the stars

Not only does this unique building have a pretty good little museum, but it also houses a great planetarium.
The lovely stainless steel crab fountain that graces the front of the building as well as the spectacular views from the back are certainly worth a visit. This is another good site to bring visitors from out of town.

A wonderful museum

I love local history and love to see displays relating to Vancouver's past. The scenes/displays are excellently done. If I had more time I would visit every time a new display was set up. I'm very sorry the gift shop closed a few years ago, as it was a marvelous gift shop.

Not worth it

Not worth the price of admission. It was a small musuem was done in less than 30 minutes with a family of 4 adults.

Really interesting-gem of a museum

I loved this museum. It was my first visit and staff at front desk were friendly. The inside of the museum and the exhibits were very interesting. I look forward to coming back to see more of the First Nations exhibit which is soon to come. Seeing how the Vancouverites lived from the 1880's to 1970's was my favorite part.... more

Local History Comes Alive

This little gem of of local museum makes Vancouver's history come alive. It balances experiental, display and text so that is public and imaginable. I could sit and look through magazines from the sixties, open drawers and look at artifacts, sit in a diner, look at photos and walk through spaces that juxtaposed time. I visit this museum when features... more

Good afternoon out

Great little museum with lots of things to entertain the kids. Within walking distance of the Granville area with plenty of cafes, bars etc. Not as grand (or as expensive) as some of the larger museums (such as Chicago's Field Museum or NY's Natural History etc) but well worth a look. Friendly staff, very willing to help and answer questions.

Mabye it was us

Mabye it was us but we found the museum extremely boring with not a whole lot of things to see. It took us about 20 mins to see everything (including the pop machines) unless we missed somthing there which I don't think so. The best of the museum was the stainless crab outside so save your money and take a... more

A small slice of Vancouver history

The museum had a small walk through display of Vancouver through the decades with some select artifacts but it could have had more. Some highlights I enjoyed was the billboards from the riot with all of the apologetic messages (and a great drawing of the famous kiss) and the hippie display (it gives you a day in the life of... more

This is a museum about Vancouver's history. Interesting, but small and expensive for its size. There is not really much to see here. It seems to be mostly designed for local school tour groups.

The best attraction in Vancouver

The Museum of Vancouver is a must-see for both adults and children.
When we visited, the temporary exhibitions were:
- Neon Vancouver, Ugly Vancouver: neon signs from around Vancouver, with discussions about their history and why people hated / loved them,
- Art Deco Chic: gorgeous clothes from the 1920s
- Reading the Riot Boards: some of the boards that... more

Here's where you learn the history

You can take the ferry to the Maritime Museum and then walk over to the MOV. There were a couple of exhibits: Neon signs and some fashion thing, which we didn't look at. But it is the history of Vancouver that is the real winner. I had no idea how much the Chinese and Japanese people helped with the growth... more

Interesting overview of Vancouver's colorful history

Small and compact, this museum can be seen in a hour or so. Good exhibits on Vancouver from the late 1880's to the early 1970's, including some period clothing to try on--fun for the kids. Well set up and easy to navigate. The neon exhibit is gorgeous. More aboriginal history pre-contact would be a welcome addition. Good for a rainy... more

Good work in progress

Some major changes have been happening at the Museum of Vancouver/Planetarium complex...for the better. The museum's permanent display is slowly being reorganized and redeveloped, and contains some pretty neat exhibits, with more hands-on displays. So far it only seems to contain things from early 1900s to 1960s, but there is lots of funky 50s and 60s nostalgia like juke boxes... more

Modern history only

This place may improve once their updates are finished. They are currently adding a section on first nations. However as it stands the current displays are interesting but will not take you more than an hour.

This museum is a wonderful spot for both tourists and locals.

The permanent exhibitions highlighting the city's history are well done and thorough. As someone not from Vancouver, or even Canada, it was very educational! But I bet even if you've lived in Vancouver your entire life, you'll learn something new.

The Riot Boards is a new exhibition that lasts until the end of September -- really... more

Good View on the Short History of Vancouver

Current Special Exhibitions include one on neon signs in Vancouver. Interesting to learn how neon signs work and of their history in Vancouver. Other Special Exhibition is one on Art Deco fashions. Interesting to learn how fashion was influenced during the 1920's and 1930's. Permanent Galleries exhibits do a great job of presenting the history of Vancouver from 1900 to... more

Nice trip to the recent past, The Riot Wall could have been better presented

We went to see the Riot Wall of messages after the Stanley Cup Riots. Bit of a missed opportunity here - with a media sponsor offering some video and sound images it could have been great. We visited with someone who was involved in the investigation - so we knew that stuff but it was still not what we hoped... more

Walk throug the past

Loved walking and soaking in the treasured past of Vancouver and B.C. Lots to see and ponder. worth a visit.

Learn about the short but interesting history of Vancouver BC

This is a small but intriguing museum beautifully situated across the Burrard Bridge in Vanier Park. The giant stainless steel crab fountain is an attraction in itself. The museum has a permanent exhibit from the early days (mid 1800's) and temporary ones. At present (Summer 2012) there is an exciting one on Art Deco dresses.
The building shares its location... more

small

The Vancouver museum is small, and not very hands on. i found it boring and lacking. But, Vancouver is only 150 yrs old, so not much ffor a museum. go to museum of anthropology instead.

Interesting

Although only small the museum gives a good insight into Vancouvers history. The temporary collection of 1920/1930 dresses is also good.

A nice trip through the history of Vancouver

They have some wonderful permanent exhibits! My favorite though was the neon exhibit, which although it is not permanent, they will continue to have some great old neon throughout the other exhibits.

Perfect way to spend rainy afternoon

We always try it fit in a museum or two when we travel. This one seemed like the perfect way to spend a few hours. We took advantage if the hop on hop off bus to get to the false creek ferry which shuttled us across to the museum. Entrance for one adult and one senior was $22. We loved... more

The Museum of Vancouver tries really hard to be a great, local space and it does a fairly good job. Located down near Kits Point and attached to the Planetarium, the MOV is a cute little space with great architecture. The crab out front is a lovely piece of art and the whole building has a great art deco vibe. I was here for the awesome and amazing Elite/Yelp event and then not too long after... more

I love the MOV. Besides last night, I have been there 2 other times within the last 6 months. I really enjoyed the neon exhibit, but I preferred the BhangraMe exhibit as it had more info, was more hands on and more to see.

The Vancouver archives are superb, I could (and have) spend hours looking through the old artifacts. This museum is a hidden gem located just over the Burrard Street bridge,... more

Fun place! I came here for the Yelp Elite event and had a great time. We were given a short tour of an upcoming exhibit about fashion in Vancouver during the war years, and it was really neat to see the exhibit in progress and meet one of the people responsible for assembling it. I'll definitely be back to check out the main event and some point, and explore more of the museum!

Despite missing out on the Fluevog exhibit and Ravishing Beasts (taxidermy), I finally made it back to the Museum of Vancouver for the Neon Vancouver, Ugly Vancouver show.

This show displayed some of the museum's collection of neon signs from around Vancouver in the 50s, 60s and 70s. They are very coolly displayed, lighting up a darkened room with their colours and form. Historical photos in... more

I need to learn about my Chinese heritage, to the Museum of Vancouver!!!

Ok, you won't find the history of China, however you'll see some pretty cool stuff from the history of Chinese immigration to Vancouver. Actual artifacts and letters that were never delivered. "Uncle, is these your letter??" You know, the Chinese people built the railways... we should be riding it for free! CPR=Chinese... more

Interesting retrospective. I bet it would have a larger attendance if it were located down near the convention center or in Stanley Park.

Not huge but it always bring back memories of elementary school field trips! Parking is no longer free because the Bard on the Beachers ruined for the rest of us! Damn artsy-fartsies! Take your kids here because they will enjoy watching the ducklings swimming in the pond outside!

A recent revamp of the museum brings to us the shoe exhibiton, "Fox, Fluevog and Friends" as well as the local food production and sustainable farming exhibition "Home Grown."

The Fluevog exhibtion featured many pairs of shoes from over the years, complemented by photos and catalogues, and some hand written letters. Wonderful exhibit design.

As for the 'Home Grown' exhibit, photographs are... more

The permanent exhibit sucks, but their revolving exhibits are consistently interesting and visually engaging. Velo-City, Art of Craft, Ravishing Beasts and even the Fluevog exhibit were all definitely worth the price of admission. Plus the MOV does tie-in events such as the craft nights at the museum during Art of Craft and bike-in movies and bike tours during Velo-City. Keep an eye on the... more

Unlike a large amount of the previous reviewers I came here to see the permanent exhibit. It felt at times like they had just raided grandmas house for heirlooms. You can even try on some of grandmas clothes, no really just like a thrift shop. You can learn some interesting history about Vancouver here but it is fairly light on and like its neighbour the Space Centre, it is outdated and tired.... more

I am reviewing this as an event venue. I haven't seen the exhibitions.

The "Joyce Walley Learning Centre" room is available to rent. My friend was able to book it just a few weeks before his Saturday wedding (in October). Carpeted floor, podium with mic, no stage. I think our DJ-friend brought his own speakers.

We had tables only for serving, none to sit at. I think it may be because of the... more

The first museum I've ever visited in my life. I remember going here when I was in preschool. First field trip in my life, or was it the pumpkin patch? Sadly, there hasn't been any change since my preschool days. There is one area which is dedicated to space exploration and another area dedicated to B.C.'s history. I love the steel crab water fountain, especially on a warm summer day.

Where geek meets street. Came here for the DIY arts and crafts night at the invitation of an artist friend who runs Blim. Never had so much fun making buttons and watching people glue, color and mingle. So reminiscent of good childhood. Such a lovely venue, too, with a pond and glass dome. Will come back to kill a restful afternoon.

Just checked out the 'Ravishing Beasts' exhibit on the history of taxidermy. It was really well done! Put together in a respectful, informative and, most importantly, intriguing way. Definitely have an interesting array of beasts on display (none killed for the exhibit - all are historical pieces). Totally fascinating! Everyone in our group of eleven enjoyed it - even the skeptical vegetarian!!... more

Whooo! This place is fab! The #1 thing I love about this place is that they allow photography inside! But just remember to turn off the flash though.

Came here the other day when were in the Vancouver area on a whim after searching through my GPS for some places to go. Found this museum and loved it! It wasn't expensive at all too! They had two main exhibits, the featured one being Velo-City,... more

Vancouver Museum Exploring

The Vancouver Museum is just outside of the downtown core, on the edge of Vanier Park by the university of BC and is actually about 100 years old. It details the history of the city starting with the earliest discoveries by non-native dwellers such as Captain Cook, the fur traders and the early logging settlements. The museum has been in its present location in Vanier Park since 1968. It’s also... more

The outside of the Vancouver Museum is a spectacle itself. The dome top building resembles the top of some spaceship from another planet. The giant steel crab with its pincers raised in a battle pose seems to protect the entrance from unruly intruders to its domain.
Inside, they have a number of cool exhibits to view. You can tour Vancouver through the earliest stages of the 20th century. They... more