One of the top things to see in Vancouver is the Museum of Anthropology out at The University of British Columbia. It’s a fair distance from the city centre, but well worth the trip out to the university campus. It was another grey day when we were there (see the outdoor pictures), but we saw both an eagle and a hummingbird on our walk outside!
Anyway, to the museum which houses a collection of Canadian and other artifacts from around the globe (including a few things from New Zealand). The entrance hall is perhaps the most impressive, with totem poles and other items from local First Nations.
There is a permanent collection with aside variety of things both in glass display cases and, for the more delicate items, in rows upon rows of drawers, which would take a full day to explore on their own. I particularly enjoyed a temporary exhibition Layers of Influence, which had on display over 130 handmade textiles from around the world. There were some amazing colours and designs, with some particularly stunning embroidered items from China and India, along with gorgeous kimonos.
A second temporary exhibition, Amazonia the rights of nature, outlined the disaster facing native peoples and wildlife in the Amazon region. Interesting and disturbing at the same time. We then took a stroll outside, in between rain showers. I would love to go back when the skies are blue.
The museum is definitely well worth visiting, rain or shine. We grabbed some good sandwiches in the cafe, and of course there is a museum shop. It is also an opportunity to have a look at the university campus, and enjoy the view on a good weather day.
Thistles and Kiwis 
1 Comment