A Move for the Museum of Vancouver?

The Museum of Vancouver has announced its commitment to find an optimal location that will complement its provocative, award-winning programs and exhibitions.

With the announcement this week of Vancouver city council's approval of the plan to lease Larwill Park to accommodate a new Vancouver Art Gallery, many have suggested the VAG's current building on West Georgia as a new home for the MOV.

MOV executive director Nancy Noble said that the Museum has been considering a move for several years from its current location in Vanier Park, which it has occupied since 1967. A study is being conducted by AldrichPears Associates (APA) to define a functional program for the Museum in an optimal scenario. 

Through the study, the Museum is examining many options for its location, the current Vancouver Art Gallery space being only one, with potential to stay at its current location. The functional program is informed by current operations, industry best-practices, the vision for the visitor experience at the Museum and the anticipated visitation levels at the current location as well as other locations throughout Vancouver.

Isaac Marshall, principal at APA, said, “There are so many opportunities in Vancouver right now. It is the perfect time for the MOV to prove it is ready to lead the world in redefining the role of a city museum.”