The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a public art museum dedicated to the celebration of art. With vision, leadership and scholarship, the Gallery aims to engage and inspire diverse audiences through exhibition, interpretation and stewardship of the collection. The Gallery's mandate is to preserve and display collections of art which are held in trust for the benefit of generations; create a receptive field for artists and their work; provide public programs such as lectures, events and educational programs; and manage facilities for the appreciation and study of visual arts.

When it first opened in 1951, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria exhibited in the historic 1889 mansion that is now adjacent to its seven modern galleries. The exhibition gallery spaces were originally added on to the mansion between 1955 and 1978 and were newly renovated in 2001 to 2003.  With almost 18,000 works of art, the Art Gallery has the largest public collection in BC and is a vibrant and active part of Victoria's artist community. The gallery presents a diverse assortment of exhibitions including showcases of Canadian, historical and contemporary exhibitions.

The work of British Columbia's foremost historical artist, Emily Carr, is on permanent display; the exhibition includes paintings, excerpts from her books and archival images that offer an insightful look at the artist who captured in paint the landscape of BC and the lives of its First Nations peoples. The Gallery is also home to one of Canada's most important Asian art collections and the Asian Garden boasts the only authentic Japanese Shinto Shrine in North America, perfectly situated among bamboo and Japanese maples.

Admission rates are here. 

Hours: 

• Monday      Closed (until Spring 2014)
• Tuesday      10:00am - 5:00pm
• Wednesday      10:00am - 5:00pm
• Thursday      10:00am - 9:00pm
• Friday      10:00am - 5:00pm
• Saturday      10:00am - 5:00pm
• Sunday (and most holidays)       12:00pm - 5:00pm

Photo: Jeff Werner