Museum of Anthropology at UBC: Immerse Yourself in Global and First Nations Artifacts at Vancouver’s Cultural Landmark

Claim to Fame

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC (MOA) houses one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast Indigenous art—featuring monumental totem poles, carved cedar longhouse posts, and over 50,000 ethnographic objects within a striking Arthur Erickson–designed building overlooking the Pacific.

📌 Navigating Museum of Anthropology at UBC : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Fee: Admission fees vary, with discounts for students, seniors, and children; check the website for current prices.
How Long to Visit: A typical visit lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on interest in the exhibits.
Washrooms: Washrooms are available on each floor of the museum for visitor convenience.
Hours of Operation: The museum operates from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, with extended hours during special events.
Important Information: Check the museum's website for current exhibits, events, and any health and safety guidelines.
Handicap Accessible: The museum is handicap accessible, featuring ramps and elevators for ease of movement.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the museum, with the exception of service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available and can be booked in advance or on-site.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is a café on-site offering a variety of refreshments and light meals.
Gift Shop: The gift shop features a selection of indigenous art, books, and cultural souvenirs.
Parking: Parking is available on-site with designated spots for visitors.
Family Friendly: The museum is family friendly, offering interactive exhibits and activities for children.
Photography: Photography is permitted in most areas, but flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
WIFI: Free WIFI is accessible throughout the museum for visitors.
Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area, but nearby parks offer spaces for outdoor meals.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Museum of Anthropology at UBC

Perched on a bluff above Vancouver’s Spanish Banks, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia invites visitors into a world of cultural resonance and architectural grandeur. Since 1976, MOA has showcased the masterworks of Coast Salish, Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw, and other First Nations alongside global ethnographic treasures. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame the coastal landscape, merging art with nature as you explore ceremonial masks, house posts, and rare artifacts that trace human creativity and worldview across millennia.

What to Expect

Begin in the Great Hall, where towering totem poles and house front carvings stand arrayed against panoramic ocean views. In the Multiversity Galleries, encounter objects from five continents—Peruvian ceramics, African stools, and Pacific masks—each presented with cultural context. Don’t miss the Rotunda’s longhouse replica, where carved poles and portables evoke traditional communal spaces. Interactive stations offer video interviews with Indigenous artists and curators, while the Museum Shop features handcrafted art and scholarly publications.

Year-round “MOA Late” events blend live drumming, artist demonstrations, and late-night gallery access. Seasonal “Healing Totem” tours invite Indigenous elders to share stories of pole restoration and cultural resurgence. Outdoor highlights include the Bill Reid Plaza—home to Reid’s iconic Raven and The First Men sculpture—and forested trails dotted with petroglyph replicas.

Background and Cultural Context

Commissioned by renowned sculptor Bill Reid and designed by Arthur Erickson, MOA opened in 1976 to provide a home for UBC’s expanding ethnographic collections. From its inception, the museum has partnered with First Nations communities to repatriate ancestral objects, co-curate exhibitions, and advance Indigenous scholarship. Its collections span 700 cultures, emphasizing respectful collaboration and living traditions rather than static display.

MOA’s conservation labs and research archives support ongoing studies in material analysis, language preservation, and repatriation ethics. The museum’s role as an educational hub extends to UBC courses, public lectures, and community workshops—ensuring that anthropology remains vibrant and inclusive.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10–12 PM) offer serene galleries and unobstructed views through the Great Hall’s glass. Late afternoons (3–5 PM) provide golden light on cedar carvings and fewer crowds. Spring (April–May) brings wildflower blooms on surrounding lawns; autumn (September–October) features crisp air and early dusk for dramatic interior lighting. “MOA Late” Thursdays (5–9 PM) host free admission after 5 PM with performances and special tours.

How to Get There

MOA is at 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver. Transit: UBC’s 99 B-Line bus from Broadway–City Hall SkyTrain station runs every 5–10 minutes; disembark at Museum of Anthropology loop. Driving: follow University Boulevard to NW Marine Drive; paid parking is available in the bus loop lot. The building and exterior plazas are wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible washrooms.

Photo Opportunities

Great Hall totem poles silhouetted against the ocean through floor-to-ceiling glass
Bill Reid’s Raven and The First Men sculpture on the outdoor plaza at sunset
Intricate formline design on a Haida dance mask in the Rotunda
Multiversity Gallery display of colorful Peruvian pottery under gallery skylights
Forest trail petroglyph replicas framed by coastal evergreens and Pacific view

Travel Tips

Purchase timed-entry tickets online to guarantee access, especially on “MOA Late” nights.
Download the MOA mobile app for guided tours, artifact stories, and campus maps.
Allow 2–3 hours to explore indoor galleries, outdoor sculpture plaza, and nearby trails.
Combine your visit with a stroll through UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden or the nearby Main Mall.
Pick up a coffee and snack at the MOA café’s patio to enjoy ocean and mountain vistas.

FAQs

Is photography allowed?
Non-flash, handheld photography is permitted for personal use inside galleries; tripods and commercial shoots require advance permission.

Are guided tours available?
Yes—daily guided tours depart at 11 AM and 2 PM; “MOA Late” tours run at 6 PM on Thursdays. Private group tours can be booked in advance.

Is there an admission fee?
Yes—general admission is CAD 25 (CAD 20 seniors; CAD 15 students/youth); free for UBC students and staff with ID, and all on “MOA Late” Thursdays after 5 PM.

Is the building accessible?
Fully—MOA offers ramps, elevators to all levels, accessible washrooms, and complimentary wheelchair rentals.

Final Thoughts

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC transcends traditional museum experiences—melding iconic architecture, Indigenous collaboration, and global cultures into a living tapestry of human creativity. Whether you’re drawn by monumental totem poles, global artifact dialogues, or tranquil Pacific vistas, MOA promises an inspiring and transformative journey through the art of humanity.

Things To Do near Museum of Anthropology at UBC

Kitsilano Beach

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Kitsilano Beach is 12.4 Kilometer(s) / 7.7 Mile(s)

Granville Island

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Granville Island is 14.7 Kilometer(s) / 9.1 Mile(s)

Stanley Park

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Stanley Park is 14.8 Kilometer(s) / 9.2 Mile(s)

Bike Seawall

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Bike Seawall is 15.9 Kilometer(s) / 9.9 Mile(s)

Vancouver Aquarium

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Vancouver Aquarium is 15.9 Kilometer(s) / 9.9 Mile(s)

Lions Gate Bridge

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Lions Gate Bridge is 16.1 Kilometer(s) / 10 Mile(s)

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Vancouver Art Gallery is 16.3 Kilometer(s) / 10.1 Mile(s)

Gastown

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Gastown is 18 Kilometer(s) / 11.2 Mile(s)

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Distance from Museum of Anthropology at UBC to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is 21.3 Kilometer(s) / 13.2 Mile(s)

📘 Vancouver Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Vancouver operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC -8. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -7.

Weather: Vancouver has an oceanic climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Winter temperatures average 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F), while summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The city receives significant rainfall from October to March.

Population: Vancouver has a population of approximately 675,000 people, with over 2.6 million in the Greater Vancouver Area. It is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, with over 50% of residents identifying as non-European in origin.

Size: Vancouver spans about 115 square kilometers (44 square miles) and is located on the southwest coast of British Columbia, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain range.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Vancouver. Due to the city’s multicultural population, languages such as Mandarin, Punjabi, Cantonese, and Tagalog are also widely spoken.

Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment options are common throughout the city.

Safety: Vancouver is considered one of the safest large cities in North America. Petty crimes like bike theft can occur, but violent crime is rare. Visitors should take standard precautions, especially at night.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Vancouver. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. Tips are also appreciated for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and service workers.

Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Travelers from regions with different plugs or voltage should bring adapters and check device compatibility.

Water: Tap water in Vancouver is safe to drink and comes from protected mountain sources. It is clean, fresh, and meets high-quality health standards.

Annual Visitors: Vancouver attracts over 10 million visitors annually. Popular attractions include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, and the city’s scenic waterfront and bike paths.

Visa Requirements: Most visitors from the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, and many other countries can enter Canada without a visa for short stays, but may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying in.

Health & Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required to visit Vancouver. It is recommended that travelers be up to date on standard immunizations like flu, measles, and tetanus.

Transportation: Vancouver has an efficient public transportation system including buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and commuter rail. The Compass Card system provides easy access to all services. Walking and cycling are also popular options.

Food: Vancouver’s cuisine reflects its multicultural makeup. The city is known for fresh seafood, especially sushi, as well as dim sum, West Coast fusion, and a strong farm-to-table movement.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Vancouverites are polite, environmentally conscious, and laid-back. Respect for nature, personal space, and multicultural values is important. Casual attire is widely accepted in most settings.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, libraries, and public spaces. Mobile coverage is strong, and SIM cards or eSIMs are available from Canadian carriers for travelers.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Vancouver. While healthcare is excellent, non-residents may be required to pay out-of-pocket. Insurance also covers cancellations, lost luggage, and delays.

Did You Know? - Facts About Museum of Anthropology at UBC

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is renowned for its extensive collection of Indigenous art and cultural artifacts from the Pacific Northwest.

The museum houses over 50,000 ethnographic objects and 535,000 archaeological artifacts, making it one of the most significant collections of its kind in the world.

Designed by architect Arthur Erickson, the museum’s building is inspired by traditional post-and-beam structures of the Coast Salish peoples, blending modern architecture with Indigenous traditions.

One of the museum’s most iconic pieces is the Great Hall, where visitors can view towering totem poles and other monumental works created by First Nations artists.

The Museum of Anthropology also offers educational programs, tours, and special exhibitions that highlight the art, history, and culture of Indigenous peoples from around the world.