British Columbia - Museums

Museum of Anthropology

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The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a museum dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures from around the world. It is located on the campus of UBC in Vancouver, Canada, and is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost museums of Indigenous art and culture.

The museum's collection includes over 50,000 objects from around the world, including artifacts from the Pacific Northwest Coast, First Nations art and culture, and objects from other Indigenous cultures from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. One of the highlights of the collection is the Bill Reid Gallery, which features works by the renowned Haida artist Bill Reid, as well as other First Nations artists from the Pacific Northwest.

The museum also features several permanent exhibits, including the Multiversity Galleries, which explore the diversity and complexity of Indigenous cultures from around the world, and the Koerner Gallery, which showcases the art and culture of the Northwest Coast First Nations.

In addition to its exhibits and collections, the Museum of Anthropology also hosts a range of educational programs and activities, including guided tours, workshops, and hands-on activities for children. These programs are designed to provide visitors with opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures and to engage with the museum's collections and exhibits.

Overall, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indigenous cultures and art, and is considered one of the world's leading institutions in the field of anthropology.

Additional Tour

  • The museum was founded in 1947 by the Canadian anthropologist Harry Hawthorn, who served as its director until 1979. Under Hawthorn's leadership, the museum became a world-renowned institution for the study and appreciation of Indigenous cultures.
  • One of the most famous objects in the museum's collection is the Great Hall, which features massive totem poles and house posts from the Haida and other First Nations communities of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The Great Hall is one of the most visited exhibits in the museum and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary Indigenous architecture.
  • The museum's collection includes a range of artifacts from cultures around the world, including masks, carvings, textiles, and other objects. The collection is particularly strong in the area of Northwest Coast First Nations art, with over 7,000 objects from this region alone.
  • The Bill Reid Gallery is a highlight of the museum's collection, featuring works by the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, as well as other First Nations artists from the Pacific Northwest. The gallery includes sculptures, jewelry, and other objects that showcase the artistic traditions of the region.
  • The museum's educational programs and activities include guided tours, workshops, and classes for visitors of all ages. These programs are designed to provide visitors with opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures and to engage with the museum's collections and exhibits.
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  • The Museum of Anthropology is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. Admission fees apply, with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
  • Overall, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Indigenous cultures and art, and is considered one of the premier institutions in the field of anthropology. Its collections and exhibits offer visitors a unique and immersive look into the history, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous peoples from around the world.

Museum Details

  • 6393 NW Marine Dr Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 Phone: (604) 822-5087 Email: info@moa.ubc.ca
  • Richmond, BC V7E 6P3
  • Phone: 604-238-8050
  • Email: info@moa.ubc.ca
  • WEBSITE

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Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023

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