Victoria Art Galleries

(Victoria, British Columbia - BC, Canada)

One of the first of all the art galleries and similar museums in the whole of Canada, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria stands high above the crowds in terms of both quality and quantity, with no less than 15,000 pieces within its permanent collection. When paying a visit to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, do leave some time to also explore the grounds and gardens, where you will discover a wonderful Japanese Shinto shrine.

The city's very own University of Victoria has become heavily involved in the local art scene and runs no less than two exhibition venues, the Maltwood Art Museum and also the Legacy Art Gallery and Café, both of which come highly recommended.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Address: 1040 Moss Street, Victoria, V8V 4P1, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 384 4101
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria dates back to the early 1950s and has gained much stature and standing over the years, hosting exhibitions by leading artists, both from Canada and internationally. These have includes the works of both Andy Warhol and Emily Carr amongst others, while the gallery's permanent exhibits includes a very impressive collection of Asian Art, which is amongst the most extensive in Canada.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday - 10:00 to 21:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children under 17 years old, children five years old and under are free

Canvas Art Gallery and Yoga Studio

Address: 538B Yates Street, Victoria, V8W 1K8, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 385 8090
The Canvas Art Gallery is located on Yates Street, close to the Fort Street and Pandora Avenue, lying within the heart of downtown Victoria. Seasonal exhibitions and events focus on various canvas artists, which usually have a strong contemporary feel. The Canvas Art Gallery has a very informal atmosphere, with brick walls, a varnished wooden floor and plenty of natural light, and also offers evening yoga sessions for those feeling supple.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Winchester Galleries

Address: 2260 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, V8R 1G7, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 595 2777
Address: 1010 Broad Street, Victoria, V8W 1Z9, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 386 2773
Address: 796 Humbolt Street, Victoria, V8W 4A2, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 382 7750
One of Victoria's leading art dealers, the Winchester Galleries showcases a mixture of both historical and modern Canadian art works, and is actually spread across the individual venues, with the gallery at Oak Bay Avenue forming the heart of the operation and dating back to 1974. Each of the Winchester Galleries host a large number of exhibitions throughout the year, which tend to change roughly twice a month. Some of the most notable historical artists represented by the Winchester include Ann Savage, David Milne, Jack Shadbolt, Robert Pilot and Walter Phillips. Those specialising in modern art include Alan Wood, Claude Tousignant and Joseph Plaskett.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:30, hours can vary between venues
Admission: free

Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery

Address: University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, V8P 5C2, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 721 8298
Part of the University of Victoria, the acclaimed Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery is home to a large and fascination collection of Chinese paintings, drawings and other oriental artifacts, along with many contemporary pieces. Regularly changing exhibitions always ensure that there is something fresh to see and enjoy here, with local Canadian and leading artists of the Pacific north-west making a regular appearance.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Legacy Art Gallery and Café

Address: 630 Yates Street, Victoria, V8W 1K9, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 381 7670
Standing in the city centre, the Legacy Art Gallery and Café is also run and managed by the University of Victoria and always display plenty of interesting paintings and sculptures, which rotate according to an organised schedule of events and exhibitions. The cafe is a great place to enjoy light refreshments, and arty postcards and prints are for sale at the onsite gift shop.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Euro Art Gallery

Address: 4819 West Saanich Road, Victoria, V8Z 3H4, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 744 3199
The Euro Art Gallery was established in 2000 and has become known for its international flavour, with featured artists originating from the Czech Republic and all over Europe. Also available here is a professional framing and hanging service.
Open hours: daily, hours vary
Admission: free

Open Space

Address: 510 Fort Street, 2nd Floor, Victoria, V8W 1E6, British Columbia (BC), Canada, CA
Tel: +1 250 383 8833
The Open Space has also been a non-profit organisation and has been run by local artists from around Victoria since it first opened its doors in the summer of 1972. Both professional and up-and-coming Canadian artists are showcased and nurtured here. The Open Space has gained quite a reputation locally for its exciting contemporary art exhibitions and events, which are known to embraces various different disciplines and cultures.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free