B.C. Pledges Another $50 Million for Vancouver Art Gallery's New Home

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The B.C. government will provide another $50 million for construction of the Vancouver Art Gallery's new home, bringing its total contribution to $100 million.  

"The Vancouver Art Gallery is a flagship cultural institution in B.C., and we are proud to provide this additional investment to make this new building a reality," Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said Friday. "The new gallery will be a social, artistic and commercial hub and will enrich tourism and cultural experiences in the region for residents and visitors alike."

The gallery has now raised about $320 million of the $400-million budget for the building in Larwill Park in downtown Vancouver, a $100-million site donated by the City of Vancouver. Construction is expected to begin in 2023, with the building opening in 2027.

The province's first $50-million pledge came in 2008.

The gallery has raised more than $190 million in private donations, including $100 million from the Audain Foundation and $40 million from the Chan Foundation.

The new gallery includes a theatre and library, as well as artist studios, child care, restaurants and retail space. It also has an Indigenous community space, along with five dedicated classrooms for specialized school programs and art instruction.

The building's exterior façade was designed by Coast Salish artists Debra Sparrow, Skwetsimeltxw Willard (Buddy) Joseph, Hereditary Chief Chepximiya Siyam’ Janice George and Angela George in collaboration with Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and Vancouver architects Perkins & Will. 

Mass timber will be used to reduce the building's carbon footprint. It is being called the "most environmentally sustainable" art museum in Canada.

Source: Province of B.C.