At 639 Hornby St in downtown Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery focuses on Bill Reid’s work and contemporary Indigenous art from the Northwest Coast. Reid was a Haida artist whose work spanned carving, sculpture, goldsmithing and writing. Inside, look for bronze and stone sculpture, wood carvings, jewelry, prints and rotating exhibitions by other Indigenous artists. Displays connect artworks with Haida stories, and a film shows how a red cedar tree is made into a totem pole. The compact gallery gives you a focused introduction to the art and the people behind it.
Bill Reid and the gallery
The gallery is named for Haida artist Bill Reid, whose work included carving, sculpture, goldsmithing, writing and broadcasting. He researched Indigenous art, especially Haida art, and drew on it in his practice. Reid died in 1998; the gallery dedicated to his work and that of other Northwest Coast artists opened in downtown Vancouver in 2008.
Reid’s art has appeared in institutions across Canada, and his work also featured on the Canadian $20 bill. The gallery brings his work together with that of contemporary Indigenous artists, giving visitors a place to encounter both his legacy and current artistic practices.
Sculpture, jewelry and carving
The collection includes bronze and stone sculpture, wood carving, prints, paintings and gold and silver jewelry. These different forms show the range of Reid’s work, from small, finely worked objects to larger sculptural pieces. One notable work associated with Reid is The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Jade Canoe, a bronze sculpture measuring 12 feet by 20 feet.
A large totem pole carved by Haida artist James Hart is another highlight noted in descriptions of the gallery. The displays also include photographs and objects related to Reid’s work. Together, the pieces offer several ways to follow his practice beyond any one medium.
Contemporary Indigenous exhibitions
Alongside Reid’s work, the gallery presents exhibitions by Indigenous artists from the Northwest Coast. These shows change, so the works on view depend on when you visit. Past exhibitions have included works by emerging and established artists, as well as displays focused on particular materials and practices, such as basket weaving and moccasins.
Exhibitions can also explore cultural knowledge through objects and their meanings. One exhibition, NDN Giver, considered gifts exchanged through the potlatch, including blankets, canoes, prints and necklaces. Check the gallery’s current exhibition information if you want to plan around a particular artist or theme.
Stories and learning
Artworks in the gallery offer ways to learn about Haida stories and Indigenous cultures. A film shown on the second level follows the process of turning a red cedar tree into a totem pole. It runs for about 30 minutes, so allow time for it if you want to watch the full film as well as explore the displays.
The gallery also presents learning programs and artist talks. These give visitors another way to engage with the work and the ideas connected to it. The gallery’s compact size makes it possible to spend time with individual pieces without needing a full day.
Planning your visit
The gallery is at 639 Hornby St in downtown Vancouver. It is closed on Mondays and Sundays, and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free on the first Friday of each month from 2 to 5 pm.
Some areas have been closed during construction, so check for current access information before you go. The gallery has a gift shop with Indigenous goods. Nearby parking can be expensive; public transit or another parking lot may be a more practical choice.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long should I spend at the Bill Reid Gallery?
Plan for about an hour to see the displays. Add 30 minutes if you want to watch the film about making a totem pole.
When is admission free?
Admission is free on the first Friday of each month from 2 to 5 pm.
What can I see at the gallery?
The displays include Bill Reid’s sculpture, wood carving, prints and jewelry, work by contemporary Indigenous artists, and a film about making a totem pole.
Where is the Bill Reid Gallery?
It is at 639 Hornby St in downtown Vancouver.
