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The Vancouver Museum

Flanking on both sides of the H.R. MacMillian Planetarium are the holdings of the Vancouver Museum. It first opened in 1894 and has since then expanded its collection of historical artifacts.

The museum has a collection of objects from prehistoric cultures that once settled along the Fraser Delta. It also provides a great learning centre about European explorers from the 19th century. Not only is the museum contains information and objects of the European settlers in Vancouver, it also has artifacts from other immigrants from the East who helped shape Vancouver to what it is today.

There are special public program which includes tours, interactive activities, lectures, live music and demonstration.

For more information, visit Vancouver Museum

Vancouver City Archives

If you go pass the Gordon M. Southam Observatory, you will come to the Major Matthews Building which houses the Vancouver City Archives. This is a free service to those who wish to explore the extensive collection of historical photographs. Copies are available at a small charge.

It is probably worthwhile to check into the archives and sample a small piece of Vancouver history.

The Vancouver Public Library in Downtown Vancouver has a collection of historical photos and books which you can look at as well.

Visit Vancouver City Archieves

The Canadian Craft Museum

The Canadian Craft Museum (639 Hornby Street, Vancouver) is the first national cultural facility that is dedicated to showcasing crafts, both of historical and contemporary value. Opened in 1988, the museum is the first public gallery in Canada devoted to form and function. There are 5 shows that are presented at a yearly basis exhibiting beautiful glass, clay, fiber, wood and metal from around the world.

Be sure to visit the Museum Shop which has a selection of high quality handmade ceramics, jewelry, glasswear and textiles. International shipping is available. Be sure to bring along your plane ticket for exemptions in Duty Free taxes.

Sri Lankan Gem Museum

At the Sri Lankan Gem Museum (15-925 West Georgia Street, Vancouver) , you will find a spectacular collection of exotic jewels housed in an elaborately decorated setting. Ancient designs are hand-painted on sheets of 24 carat gold. You may also find yourself standing in front of individually placed agate rocks floor as you watch a mountain of emerald and tourmalines cascade from the back walls.

Museum of Anthropology

Opened in 1976, the Museum of Anthropology (6393 Northwest Marine Drive) has an impressive collection and historical artifacts of the First Nation people.

Built on the bluff of Point Grey the museum was designed by Arthur Erickson and is blend of traditional and modern design.

The museum has an impressive collection of jewelry, clothing, baskets, weaving and masks on display. There is a special storage system which provides access to more than 12,000 archival objects from the world. There are also European objects dating from the 15th to the 19th century.

The Museum Gift Shop has a selection of cultural and historical books on the First Nation as well as a selection of exquisite hand crafted gifts. Information about special events and exhibitions may be obtained at the gift shop itself.

After browsing through the museum, you can walk over the rear ground which holds a recreated representation of a Haida village. There are totems based on 19th century originals found on the Queen Charlotte Islands and were created by Doug Cranmer.

Be sure to look out for the Three Watchmen totems that watch over the village and its surroundings.

For more information, visit Museum of Anthropology

UBC Geological Museum

The M.Y. Williams Geological Museum located at the University of British Columbia has an impressive collection of crystals, fossils and many more treasures. The highlight of the museum is an ancient 80 million old dinosaur.

North Vancouver Museum/Archives

This community museum houses exhibits that celebrate the social, cultural and industrial development of North Vancouver. Exhibitions on show include logging, shipbuilding, ferry, streetcar system and early schools and hospitals. The museum itself is opened from Wednesday to Sunday and the archives on Wednesday and Friday.

Vancouver Maritime Museum

This museum exhibits interactive exhibits to trill people of all ages with exciting tales of the sea. The Children's Maritime Discovery Centre explores the maritime world with hands-on activities. Life on the historic ex-RCMP schooner St. Roch is examined through video and includes a self-guided tour.

For more information, visit Vancouver Maritime Museum

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