Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
seahorses, lobsters and streamlined ships, then nip into the lobby where it's like a walk-
through artwork. Stained-glass panels and a polished floor inlaid with signs of the zodi-
ac await.
You should also peruse the inlaid wood interiors of the brass-doored elevators. The
Marine Building was the tallest building in the British Empire when completed in 1930.
It now houses offices.
VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
LIBRARY
(
www.vpl.ca
;
350 W Georgia St;
10am-9pm Mon-Thu, to 6pm Fri & Sat, noon-5pm Sun;
;
Stadium-Chinatown)
This dramatic, Colosseum-like building must be a temple to the
great god of libraries. If not, it's certainly one of the world's most magnificent book-
lending facilities. Designed by Moshe Safdie and opened in 1995, it contains 1.2 milli-
on books and other items spread out over seven levels, all of them seemingly populated
by language students silently learning English from textbooks (and messaging each oth-
er).
There's free wi-fi available on-site, plus computer terminals if you don't have your
laptop. The library hosts a lively roster of book readings and literary events. If you're
traveling with kids, the downstairs children's section is an ideal hangout. Plans are also
afoot to open the library's roof with a garden and cafe for visitors - ask at the front desk
(quietly).
PENDULUM GALLERY
GALLERY
(
www.pendulumgallery.bc.ca
;
885 W Georgia St; 9am-6pm Mon-Wed, to 9pm Thu & Fri, to 5pm
Sat; Burrard)
F
A creative use for a cavernous bank building atrium, this gallery
offers an ever-changing roster of temporary exhibitions. It's mostly contemporary art,
and can range from striking paintings to challenging photographs and quirky arts and
crafts. The space also houses one permanent exhibit: a gargantuan 27m-long buffed alu-
minum pendulum that will be swinging over your head throughout your visit.
Designed by Alan Storey, the pendulum weighs 1600kg and moves about 6m (the
swing is assisted by a hydraulic mechanical system at the top). There's also a coffee
shop here if you need to rest your trek-weary feet.
CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY
GALLERY
OFFLINE MAP
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