The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia holds major collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art alongside objects from around the world. It's on the UBC campus at the western edge of the city, a longer trip than downtown attractions, and it rewards an unhurried visit. Give it a half day including travel.

Indigenous context from the museum

MOA is on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people, and much of its collection represents the cultures of First Nations of the Northwest Coast. Let the museum's interpretation and the voices it credits guide your visit. Check MOA's site for guided tours, talks and programs that offer more context.

Current exhibitions

When we checked on November 9, 2026, MOA listed:

  • Tupananchiskama: Ancient Andean Cosmovision, March 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027
  • In a Different Light: Reflecting on Northwest Coast Art, ongoing
  • The Woolly Dog installation, September 2026 to August 2027
  • From the Deep, opening November 19, 2026

Hours

MOA's visit page lists:

  • Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursdays until 9 pm, with half-price admission after 5 pm
  • Closed Mondays from October 15 to May 15

Holiday hours differ; for example, MOA listed reduced hours on December 24 and 31 and January 1, and closure on December 25. Tickets are sold at the door; check current prices on MOA's site. Admission is free for Indigenous people and some other groups listed by the museum.

What days is it open? Outside the October-to-May period, check whether Monday opening applies for your date.

Getting there from downtown

MOA is roughly 30 to 45 minutes from downtown by transit, depending on connections. MOA says:

  • Westbound routes 25, 33, R4, 44, 49, 84, the 99 B-Line and 480 go to UBC Exchange, about a 15-minute walk from the museum. From the exchange, route 68 runs closer to the museum.
  • Routes 4 and 14 go to University Boulevard, about a 20-minute walk.

Taxis and ride-share are faster but more expensive. If you're driving, the museum has paid parking.

Access

MOA says the building is wheelchair accessible, with four wheelchairs available to borrow free of charge, lightweight portable seats at the admission desk, and three accessible paid parking spaces. Attendants accompanying people with disabilities are admitted free with an Access 2 Card. The museum notes that the gravel path to the west, leading into the grounds, is uneven in places.

Campus pairing

UBC's campus has gardens, beaches and other attractions; check opening hours and seasons on UBC's own pages before planning around them. A walk around the campus and a meal in the university village make a natural extension on a dry day.

A rainy-day plan

MOA is an excellent wet-weather choice. Combine it with lunch on campus and an indoor stop downtown on the way back. See rainy days in Vancouver.

Fitting it into a trip

FAQs

How far is it from downtown? It's on the UBC campus at the western edge of the city; allow 30 to 45 minutes by transit.

What days is it open? Tuesday to Sunday, with Thursday evenings; closed Mondays from October 15 to May 15.

Sources