A trip to the Museum of Anthropology provides an informative experience for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of the First Nations peoples. The collection is made up of ethnographic items from across the South Pacific, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. A mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions highlight the stories of First Nations peoples in British Columbia as well as the histories of different communities across Canada and the world.
While visiting, make sure to admire the museum building itself; it was designed by architect Arthur Erickson to honor the traditional cedar post and beam structures found in aboriginal villages along the Northwest coast. The museum also offers great views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Discounted entry is available for students and seniors.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
There is a souvenir shop on site.
Check the schedule for daily guided tours led by museum staff and volunteers.
Most visitors spend around 2.5 hours exploring the exhibits.
The Museum of Anthropology is located on the University of British Columbia campus on Marine Drive, in the western part of the city. Visitors can drive to the museum (parking is available in front of the museum) or take city buses, including the 14, 25, 41, and 43, to the UBC Exchange which is about a 15-minute walk from the site.
The Museum of Anthropology is open seven days a week from mid-May to mid-October. The rest of the year the museum is open Tuesday–Sunday and closed on Monday. On Thursday nights the museum has extended evening hours. The museum is generally busiest in the early afternoon.
If you’re visiting the museum over the summer, make sure to stop and see the University of British Columbia Rose Garden in bloom. Over a dozen different species of roses, each with different colors and scents, make this a pleasant place to stop and rest after sightseeing. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and mountains in the distance.
