British Columbia - Museums

Musqueam Cultural Centre

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The Musqueam Cultural Centre is a museum and cultural center located in the Musqueam Indian Reserve in Vancouver, Canada. It was established in 2017 and serves as a hub for the Musqueam people to celebrate, preserve and share their rich culture, traditions and history with visitors.

The museum's exhibits feature artifacts and displays that highlight the history and culture of the Musqueam people, one of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The exhibits include traditional crafts such as basketry, carving and weaving, as well as displays of traditional clothing, tools and implements used in hunting, fishing, and gathering. The museum also showcases contemporary art and works by local Musqueam artists.

The Musqueam Cultural Centre also hosts a range of cultural and educational programs, such as workshops, classes, and tours, that provide visitors with opportunities to learn more about the Musqueam people, their history, and their way of life. These programs include guided tours of the museum and the Musqueam Reserve, language classes, storytelling sessions, and workshops on traditional arts and crafts.

The center is also home to a gift shop, which offers a variety of authentic Musqueam-made crafts and art pieces, as well as books, music and other items related to the Musqueam culture.

Overall, the Musqueam Cultural Centre is an important cultural institution in Vancouver and a great destination for anyone interested in learning more about the history and traditions of the Musqueam people.

Additional Tour

  • The center's architecture is inspired by traditional Musqueam longhouses, with a modern twist. The building features a cedar-clad exterior, a sloping roofline, and an open-concept interior that reflects the Musqueam's traditional reverence for the natural world.
  • The center is located on the Musqueam Reserve, which is one of three reserves in the Vancouver area and the only one that is still occupied by its Indigenous inhabitants. The Musqueam Reserve covers an area of approximately 400 acres and is home to over 1,300 Musqueam band members.
  • The center's exhibits and displays are curated by Musqueam elders, educators, and artists, ensuring that the museum accurately represents the Musqueam culture and heritage. The museum's exhibits focus on key aspects of Musqueam life, such as their connection to the land and the environment, their rich history of fishing, hunting, and gathering, and their intricate art and craft traditions.
  • The Musqueam Cultural Centre also hosts several annual events and celebrations, including the Musqueam Powwow, which is held every July and attracts Indigenous dancers and drummers from across North America. The powwow is a celebration of Indigenous culture and a way for the Musqueam people to share their traditions with the wider community.
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  • The center is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, and admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. Guided tours are available, as well as workshops and classes on traditional arts and crafts, language, and cultural history.
Overall, the Musqueam Cultural Centre is an important cultural institution in Vancouver, and a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The center's exhibits, programs, and events provide visitors with a unique and immersive experience of Musqueam culture and heritage.

Museum Details

  • 6735 Salish Drive Vancouver, BC V6N 4C4 Phone: 604-263-3261 Email: info@musqueam.bc.ca
  • Richmond, BC V7E 6P3
  • Phone: 604-238-8050
  • Website: https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/
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Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023

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