What was once British Columbia’s imposing provincial courthouse now houses the Vancouver Art Gallery. The building was designed in 1906 by Francis Rattenbury, an architect known for the Gothic style of Victoria’s Parliament building and the Empress Hotel. The interior was modernized in 1983 by Arthur Erikson, another noted architect, who designed the UBC Museum of Anthropology.

The Vancouver Art Gallery presents a full range of national and international art by groundbreaking contemporary artists and major historical figures, including the most significant body of work by British Columbian artist Emily Carr. The gallery also houses a permanent collection of 10,000 works of art. Visitors can take part in talks and tours, or visit interpretive sites and learning centers, as well as the Gallery Café and the Gallery Store.