UBC Museum of Anthropology

UBC Museum of Anthropology is at 6393 N.W. Marine Dr. on the Point Grey Cliffs. Traditional post-and-beam architecture inspired this concrete and glass building designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. The Great Hall, the main exhibition area, has soaring glass walls that let in natural light and provides a striking setting for a major collection of Northwest Coast First Nations artwork, which includes totem poles, canoes, carved figures, textiles, feast dishes and other objects.

The Bill Reid Rotunda features one of the museum's highlights, “The Raven and the First Men” by Haida artist Bill Reid. Reid, developed an interest in tribal folklore, and this carving—fashioned from a single block of laminated yellow cedar—powerfully depicts a Haida human creation myth. Four accompanying display cases contain more of Reid's works in gold, silver and argillite, a fine-grained sedimentary rock frequently used in Haida carvings.

Stroll the grounds, where monumental totem poles, Haida houses and Musqueam houseboards capture the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture and design. See historical indigenous artwork through the eyes of contemporary First Nations artists in the innovative Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks.

In marked contrast to the often-monumental scale of the indigenous art is the 600-piece collection of 16th- to 19th-century European ceramics comprised of stoneware and tin- and lead-glazed earthenware on display in the Koerner European Ceramics Gallery.

Guided tours are available. Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.