About Museum of Anthropology UBC
On the UBC campus, MOA is renowned for its Northwest Coast First Nations collections, displayed in Arthur Erickson's spectacular concrete-and-glass Great Hall.
Founded in 1949, Museum of Anthropology UBC has been welcoming visitors for over 77 years. Today it draws approximately 200,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in Vancouver, Canada, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 4,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Museum of Anthropology UBC ranks #180
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #180 in our composite ranking, Museum of Anthropology UBC represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Museum of Anthropology UBC is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Bill Reid's The Raven and the First Men
- ◆Great Hall totem poles
- ◆Multiversity Galleries
Recognition & awards
Museum of Anthropology UBC has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 (Thu until 21:00). Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Museum of Anthropology UBC is located in Vancouver, Canada at coordinates 49.2697°N, -123.2585°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Museum of Anthropology UBC
Museum of Anthropology UBC was established in 1949, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Vancouver. With 200,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Canada's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Americas region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like Museum of Anthropology UBC, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Museum of Anthropology UBC?
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 (Thu until 21:00). Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Museum of Anthropology UBC?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Museum of Anthropology UBC located?
Museum of Anthropology UBC is located in Vancouver, Canada. The exact coordinates are 49.2697°, -123.2585°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Museum of Anthropology UBC known for?
First Nations art in Arthur Erickson's modernist temple. Key highlights include Bill Reid's The Raven and the First Men, Great Hall totem poles, Multiversity Galleries. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 4,000 reviews.
How many people visit Museum of Anthropology UBC each year?
Museum of Anthropology UBC receives approximately 200,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Canada.
When was Museum of Anthropology UBC founded?
Museum of Anthropology UBC was founded in 1949, making it 77 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
