Subway

I am a member and I go several times a year. There is a fabulous collection of totem poles, masks, gold and silver jewelry from Pacific North West Coast. Also beautiful art and cultural objects from around the world. Rotating shows and videos. You can spend many enjoyable hours here, inside and outdoors.

Very nice layout. Major focus on the culture of First Nations peoples native to this area. But there is also a tucked away room with hundreds upon hundreds of small statues, sculptures, pots, paintings, and clothing from different cultures around the world. I don't think I've ever seen a museum fit so many interesting things in such a small space--without feeling disheveled or cluttered.

Amazing historical artifacts and stories of native peoples experiences both good and hideous treatment they received on a massive scale with regard to residential schools. I did enjoy learning about potlatches. Wonderful place to see. I am gladdened to see the preservation and pride of their culture and art on display. There is also articles from across the globe of other nations. Really nice to spend 2-4 hours. Bring lunch and hang out around the grounds weather permitting. The cafeteria on site was closed.

I went on Wednesday right at opening and stayed until noon, though I could have easily stayed for the whole day for how much there was to see. The displays in each section offer an equally excellent experience whether you're a visual stroll-through type or a "stop and read everything" museum goer. Personal favourite was the Bill Reid Rotunda, where you can see his large and small works while walking alongside the history of the artist and the contributions he made to Pacific Northwest art. Another highlight was the multiversity room, which is like having access to the "other half" of a museum, since the curators have put EVERYTHING on display in some capacity. While a selection of items are placed in glass cases and are visually organized, the remaining items are available to look at and explain in the drawers below most display cases. What I appreciated most about how this was organized was that there were explanations for items that were partially on display (sacred items that the curators have communicated with the given community and asked how to respectfully be in possession of the item), sometimes the items were described in writing but were in boxes, and in one instance, the items were wrapped in a blanket as this is how they would be stored by the community - and if you belonged to the community of a partially displayed item, you could ask to arrange to see it (which I think is an amazing approach). I definitely will be coming back, as I'm sure I only saw about a quarter of the collection at best in my half-day visit. Also worth noting, no bags or water bottles are allowed with the museum itself - there are lockers near the washrooms, and if you choose not to get a locker, you can leave your water bottle at the front desk. Photos are allowed, but no flash as some items are photosensitive. Accessibility notes: there's a lot of seating available throughout the multiversity room and the Rotunda, and there are ramps as well as stairs to access each space of the museum (including the washrooms and gift shop), and the writing on the information plaques are a standard size, though the lighting is somewhat dimmer in the multiversity room, so you may need to approach the display case more closely to see the written information (though some are lower than standing eye level).

The museum shows how difficult the native versus white position is. What you will see are objects, beautifully presented, but often bought from the original owner. They often now use later made copies; the original being in the museum. It all breathes: We (the white) showing Their culture. Pity. We had a tour, not given by a proud native American but by someone from Irish origin. A beautiful museum but we left with mixed feelings.