Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Canada

The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) is a bold, contemporary museum. Since rebranding in 2009, it has become a leader in the reimagining of museums. All exhibitions and programs are focused on Vancouver and are designed to encourage provocative discussions about the city’s past, present and future.

Permanent exhibitions tell stories from the early 1900s to the late 1970s. Here are just a few examples: The Gateway to the Pacific takes you through Vancouver’s early golden years to the economic collapse of 1913. Neon Vancouver/Ugly Vancouver showcases signs from the city’s neon era. You Say You Want A Revolution recounts how young people searching for an alternative way of life made Vancouver the hippie capital of Canada.

Complementing these permanent exhibitions are groundbreaking feature exhibits as well as fun and educational programs for children, ranging from self-guided scavenger hunts to unforgettable hands-on experiences with historical artifacts. There’s always something new and exciting happening at MOV so be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Not your typical museum, even MOV’s architecture is something to be marveled. The roof was created to look like a woven basket hat made by Northwest Coast First Nations people and the pool in front of the building features a large stainless steel crab sculpted by George Norris in 1967.

The MOV is located in Kitsilano’s beautiful Vanier Park, along with the HR MacMillan Space Centre and Vancouver Maritime Museum, and is an easy excursion from the Auberge Hotel downtown Vancouver.