As Vancouver is set to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors this summer, the Vancouver Art Gallery invites audiences from near and far to discover the art, ideas and cultural histories that shape British Columbia. With four floors of exhibitions, hands-on family activities, special retail offerings and free soccer screenings hosted at the 1931 Gallery Bistro, the museum offers a vibrant cultural destination in the heart of the city.
Summer 2026 at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Internationally acclaimed exhibitions:
- Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change — the first major exhibition in Canada to explore climate change through contemporary art on a global scale, featuring more than 30 artists from around the world.
- SANCTUARY: The Ancient Forest Experience — an immersive 360-degree installation transporting visitors into the heart of British Columbia’s remaining ancient forests.
- That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature — the Gallery’s most comprehensive exhibition of work by iconic Canadian artist Emily Carr in more than two decades.
- Highlights from the Collection — more than 200 works tracing the evolving artistic and cultural histories of British Columbia and beyond, with guided tours every Wednesday at 12:15 PM.
New for summer! Program highlights:
- Talk: Art Meets Sport — art historian Adrienne Fast delves into a humorous exploration of art and sport—and where the two meet—in a special one-off talk.
- The Making Place — a weekly Sunday drop-in artmaking studio (11 AM–4 PM) where families can create artworks inspired by the Gallery’s exhibitions. On select Sundays, participants have the option to partake in soccer-inspired activities. Keep an eye on the website for details.
- Art-inspired afternoon tea — The Vancouver Art Gallery has collaborated with Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Notch8 Tea Salon to present Among the Trees with Emily Carr, an afternoon tea inspired by That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature. Visitors can pair their exhibition visit with afternoon tea until September 20, 2026.
Outdoor match screenings:
- Visitors can continue their day at the Gallery with free patio screenings of select international football matches, hosted by the 1931 Gallery Bistro.
- Screenings include Canada’s group-stage matches, select knockout fixtures and the July 7 Round of 16 match hosted at BC Place.
- Food and beverages will be available for purchase. A full schedule and reservations are available through 1931 Gallery Bistro. Find out more: www.1931gallerybistro.com
Football-inspired merchandise:
- Limited-edition postcards and stickers created especially for the city’s summer celebrations featuring Towards the Goal (1934), a historic photograph by Dutch-Canadian photographer John Vanderpant.
- A special-edition football designed by British Columbia–based Nisga’a and Métis artist Chantelle Trainor-Matties, reflecting the artist’s ongoing exploration of connection to land, animals and storytelling.
- Postcards featuring Vancouver artist Karin Bubaš’s new series Under Pressure (2026), which portrays internationally renowned football players at moments of vulnerability and emotion, including Vancouver Whitecaps player Thomas Müller, Brazilian goalscorer Neymar Jr. and legendary Argentinian player Lionel Messi.
- Official tournament merchandise, including tote bags, posters and patches, are also available in the Gallery Store.
Whether arriving from across the city or across the globe, visitors are invited to experience the artists, stories and creative perspectives that make British Columbia unique during this landmark summer for Vancouver.
The Vancouver Art Gallery is open seven days a week, 10AM-5PM, and until 8PM on Fridays. Entry to all exhibitions is included with general admission. Visitors under 18, caregivers and Indigenous Peoples receive free admission year-round. 1931 Gallery Bistro is open seven days a week, 10AM-5PM, and until 8PM on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays—and later on select match days.
John Vanderpant, Towards the Goal, 1934, gelatin silver print, Collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Acquisition Fund, VAG 90.68.39
Image: Vancouver Art Gallery exterior view, June 2026, Photo: Vancouver Art Gallery
