Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Reopen to Public

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Detailed exterior view of the Great Hall at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC as seismic upgrades near completion. (photo by Brannen Bell)

After an 18-month closure, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver will reopen its doors on June 13. 

In celebration of its reopening, MOA will launch two new exhibitions featuring Indigenous perspectives on colonial history: To be seen, to be heard: First Nations in Public Spaces, 1900-1965, in the Audain Gallery and In Pursuit of Venus in the O’Brian Gallery. 

During its closure, MOA’s Great Hall underwent upgrades that include the revitalization of Northwest Coast Indigenous displays, as well as other works.

“We’ve waited so long to welcome back visitors from around the world to MOA this summer,” said MOA Director Susan Rowley in a news release. 

“It has been completely rebuilt from the ground up, incorporating innovative seismic technology into its foundations while restoring architect Arthur Erickson’s original 1976 design.” 

According to Rowley, the renewal of Great Hall displays and gallery spaces was done in collaboration with First Nations communities and families whose possessions are conserved in the museum. 

As part of the University of British Columbia’s ongoing seismic planning, the university classified the MOA’s Great Hall as a prime concern for seismic renovations in 2017. Construction started in 2021, and in January 2023, the museum temporarily stopped operations to finalize the project. The BC government, Canadian Heritage and UBC funded the project’s $40 million budget. 

Meanwhile, the museum’s redevelopments include the installation of 25 base isolators to reduce the impact of earthquakes, as well as lighting upgrades, including skylights, roofing, window coverings, carpeting and fire protection. 

“The completion of the seismic upgrades ensures the preservation and safety of this cultural heritage for future generations,” Rowley said. 

The reopening weekend will start with a celebration of MOA’s 75th anniversary. Doors will open at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 13. Guests will be greeted with updated displays, including an 8.7-metre canoe carved by Stz’uminus artist Qap’u’luq John Marston.

From June 14 to 16, visitors will enjoy half-price admissions to celebrate architect Arthur Erickson’s birth. There will be dance and musical performances, hands-on workshops, staff tours and more. 

Source: Museum of Anthropology at UBC