Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

This collection of Oriental art objects, acquired by Besquet from subordinates of the British Empire, offers a fascinating insight into a unique cultural heritage. While it's vital to acknowledge and appreciate the halls featuring local artists, those in search of distinctive masterpieces will find the hall of Oriental art particularly rewarding. Victoria's rich history of Asian diasporas, alongside the enduring influence of the British Empire that facilitated the export of art from regions like China, has resulted in a truly exceptional collection. Many of the exhibits date back to 3,000-4,000 B.C.E. I encourage visitors to explore pull-out bedside tables for hidden Easter Eggs, enjoy Ivory puzzles, and try to decipher the microscopic hieroglyphics found in various corners. The attention to detail in Japanese art is especially noteworthy, and works by the acclaimed artist Hokusai can also be appreciated here. Additionally, one particularly intriguing stand showcases containers that can be seen as the ancestors of modern vaping—scented artifacts that invite curiosity. I would like to commend the museum team for their excellent collection of contemporary art available in the souvenir shop—it’s truly impressive and surpasses what is displayed in the museum halls. Moving forward, it would be wonderful to see an increased focus on modern examples of art, as well as more frequent rotation of exhibitions in curatorial projects. I'm sure there are many exceptional pieces in the gallery's reserves that could inspire and engage visitors. This gallery represents not just ordinary works, but the gems of world art. Let’s advocate for allowing these remarkable pieces to be appreciated in natural light and admired by all who visit.

I don't think enough people know about this place. It's a really warm and cozy place to see some beautiful art: Canadian and from around the world; contemporary and classics. Maybe seeing art from the Big Seven will draw you in and then you'll have the pleasure of discovering how many other awesome pieces there are to enjoy. There is also a great little gift shop with a peek. Worth you while for sure!!

I really liked the permanent exhibits- Canadian paintings and Asian art. A lot of the space is dedicated to a temporary exhibit right now (9/2025) that I did not connect with but others may. That exhibit includes large self-portrait photos of an artist in personally symbolic / eclectic costumes out in nature. There were some cool artifacts from her family that were interesting to read.

A charming, well curated gallery a little east of downtown in a residential area. Easy for a quick visit (~2 hours) and a great escape from the city. Exhibitions were intimate and excellently presented. They are updated at a quick pace so make sure to return often. Staff were helpful and professional.

A lovely gallery and gift shop. I really enjoyed the permanent collection gallery as well as the current show.

Had a great time visiting the Banksy exhibit. Got the most amazing gift to self for Mother’s Day Indigenous Beaded Handmade Authentic Earrings. It was a special day. Staff was so kind and we even joked maybe my book will be hosted there if I ever wrote it.

Free for people under 25, and free on the first saturday of every month. Currently the exhibits are asian art, indegenous and canadian art, from worhol to banksy, and the art of mending(?) It was very nice! Clean, lots of art, clear and consice descriptions, and the staff is so friendly. Reasonably priced at $15 per person normally. There is also a small garden outside. Its a bit small, and the layout is a bit confusing.

Lovely place for people of art and nature. Next to movie theater, so you can visit the gallery and go to the theater with family and friends. At 2nd Floor old city, streets and wonderful atmosphere.

Beautiful exhibits and such a fun way to spend an afternoon. We were lucky and got to see felting art being completed. All the various exhibits were different and the staff was warm and welcoming.

Great collection of art and displays. We enjoyed our afternoon stroll through the space.

A very great art gallery and fantastic displays. Have visited many times. Hope they get their new location. Very strange people that work there !

Add Inspiration to Your Life! And it's only a short walk down the hill from Craigdarroch or the other way from Downtown. Gayle and I stopped by during our recent trip to Victoria. Opened in 1951, the Art Gallery of Greater Victory gallery possesses notable works by artists such as Emily Carr, and has one of Canada's most significant collections of Asian art. An Asian garden located on the gallery grounds includes the only authentic Japanese Shinto shrine in North America. With almost 17,000 works of art, the Art Gallery has the largest public collection in BC and is a vibrant and active part of Victoria's arts community. The modern Art Gallery addition is connected to a Victorian era home known as Gyppeswyk, built in 1889. This makes things a little funky looking from the outside, but it's what's inside that counts. The gift shop featuring various Emily Carr items is also definitely worth a look.

Absolutely great mix of exhibits. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is within walking distance of downtown. I suggest you hit up the gallery on the same trip as a visit to nearby Craigdarroch Castle. The highlight exhibit is, of course, Emily Carr (1871-1945). Her exhibit will last through 6/30/2013. Carr was a Victoria native. I've also seen her work exhibited at the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. Carr is my favorite Pacific Northwest artist, with her magical impressionistic watercolor paintings of forests. She is also well-known for having used First Nations (Native American) people as subjects in her art. I was startled a bit by one placard in the exhibit that quoted Morris Graves, another great Northwest artist, as stating that Emily would have been nothing if it wasn't for him sharing his techniques with her. He certainly didn't have low self-esteem, did he? I also enjoyed the modern mixed media exhibit - Agnostic Objects. Loved the film loop of the car sliding around on "Galloping Gertie" bridge. This was filmed just before the car and Galloping Gertie (a massive engineering snafu) tumbled into the Tacoma Narrows during a windstorm. Another pleasing exhibit were the Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) woodcut prints. The gallery thoughtfully provided magnifying glasses to better enjoy the prints' fine detail. The exhibit of Samurai warrior body armor and masks was cool and I liked the colorful snuff bottle collection, which was quite large, rivaling the one at Portland Art Musuem. Art is soothing for the soul, especially one (like mine) that has become somewhat jangled by all the caffeine from Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel.

Worth a stop if you are visiting other sites within walking distance. The Geisha and kimono exhibits were very interesting and informative. The Girls and Emily Carr exhibits were mundane. The bonsai trees were exquisite, as was the mansion interior.

Always an interesting show to see, we visit at least every couple months as they change. We love the variety and diversity of art exhibited here.

I don't come here often, and I really should as VAG always has something different. Last night I finally got there to see the Tibetan Monks Sand Mandala. Absolutely amazing. What ever photos you see of this, they don't do the skill justice. Unfortunately, this exhibit is here for sucha shot time, but it's the second year in a row, so if you miss it there's always next time. That being said the Sacred Arts of Tibet will be staying longer, and of course there's a plethora of Emily Carr works on permanent display.