Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
did views of the harbor, the North Shore, the Coast Mountains, and docked Alaska-bound
cruise ships. On the west side of the center is an expansive garden of indigenous plants.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Francis Rattenbury, architect of Victoria's Empress Hotel and many other masterpieces,
designed Vancouver's imposing neoclassical-revival courthouse, which now houses the
Vancouver Art Gallery
(750 Hornby St., 604/662-4700, 10am-5pm daily, until 9pm on
Tues., adult $22.50, senior $17.50, student $16, child $8). Initially, the courthouse faced
GeorgiaStreet,andalthoughtheexteriorretainsitsoriginal1911design,themainentrance
isnowonRobsonStreet. ArthurErickson,aprominentVancouverarchitect, renovatedthe
interior in 1982.
The gallery houses a large collection of works by Canada's preeminent female artist,
Emily Carr,
who was born on Vancouver Island in 1871 and traveled the world honing
her painting and drawing skills before settling in Vancouver in 1906. Her style reflects the
time she spent with the native peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast, but she was also in-
fluenced by techniques acquired during periods when she lived in London and Paris. Carr
combined these influences to create unique works, and the gallery is well worth visiting
forthesealone.TheCarrcollectionisonthethirdfloor,alongwiththeworksofmanyoth-
er local artists. The gallery also holds pieces by contemporary artists from North America
and Europe as well as an impressive collection of historical art.
Guidedtoursareavailable.Kidswillenjoythechildren'sgallery,andadultswillappre-
ciate the special-events program, including a lecture series, films, and concerts. The gift
shop sells a wide selection of art books, jewelry, and gifts, and the gallery café is always
crowded.
Robson Square
The late 1960s saw a renaissance of civic buildings in major cities across the country,
and Vancouver was no exception. An entire block was designated for a new courthouse
complex, replacing the original across Robson Street. Architect Arthur Erickson's unique
design incorporates street-level public spaces adorned with sculptures and the
Law
Courts,
a magnificent glass structure signifying an open and accessible court system.
WALKING TOUR: ROBSON STREET
After World War II, European immigration to Vancouver reached its peak. Robson Street,
between Burrard and Jervis Streets, became an enclave of European businesses and trans-
formed itself into
Robsonstrasse.
Today the colorful and exciting theme of these two
