Event Rentals
Gather in the city’s most unforgettable setting
An event takes place on the Gallery’s Rooftop Pavilion, Photo: Kai Jacobson Photography
This turn-of-the-century former provincial courthouse building presents a dramatic exterior backdrop for photography and film shoots. Inside, the Gallery offers affordable meeting spaces for weddings, receptions, cocktail parties, seasonal gatherings and corporate events.
Locations include the grand foyer and rotunda—with a soaring dome and twin marble staircases—and two of the building’s original historic courtrooms, complete with judge’s stands and rich hardwoods. Discover the city’s best rooftop experience, the Gallery’s Rooftop Pavilion. Fully protected from the elements, this space offers a spectacular view overlooking Robson Square in a unique setting.
With so many one-of-a-kind options to choose from, it’s no wonder the Gallery is the site for Vancouver’s most memorable events!
Questions? Contact our Events team at rentals@vanartgallery.bc.ca to discuss all your event needs today!
PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKINGS
Book the Gallery’s unique spaces as the backdrop for your next photoshoot!
AVAILABILITY Monday to Sunday
TIME SLOTS Mornings: 8–11 AM | Evenings: 5:30–7:30 PM
SPACES AVAILABLE
- Ground-Level Rotunda (Grand Marble Staircase)
- 3rd Floor Rotunda
- North Exterior Rooftop Patio
- North Facade of the Vancouver Art Gallery (Outside Stairs) / šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square
LOBBY, FORECOURT & ROTUNDA
The largest function space at the Gallery is comprised of three adjoining rooms, allowing for dynamic events. The Lobby and Forecourt are open spaces capable of hosting dinners, receptions and live music, while the twin marble staircases of the grand rotunda make for a natural backdrop for ceremonies, announcements and live performances.
Please note that the Lobby, Forecourt and Rotunda (LFR) are rented together.
AVAILABILITY After 5 PM (unavailable on Fridays)
STANDING CAPACITY 340 (LFR) | 200 (Lobby) | 90 (Forecourt) | 50 (Rotunda)
SEATED CAPACITY 295 (LFR) | 155~ (Lobby) | 90~ (Forecourt) | 50~ (Rotunda) depends on set-up style
SIZE 4244sf (LFR) | 1885 sf (Lobby) | 1436 sf (Forecourt) | 923 sf (Rotunda)
ROOM 4EAST & ROOFTOP PAVILION
The Rooftop Pavilion spaces feature city views of the vibrant Robson Square and Law Courts. These versatile and exclusive spaces were purpose-built as the BC Pavilion for the 2010 Winter Olympics and feature custom hand-carved sliding doors by Arnim Rodeck that recreate the city’s skyline in Room 4East, the interior portion of the space.
AVAILABILITY Day and evening; this space is not restricted by the Gallery’s open hours
STANDING CAPACITY 225 (4East + Rooftop Pavilion) | 100 (4East) | 125 (Rooftop Pavilion)
SEATED CAPACITY 160~ (4East + Rooftop Pavilion) | 80~ (4East) | 80~ (Rooftop Pavilion) depends on set-up style
SIZE 3311 sf (4East + Rooftop Pavilion) | 1885 sf (4East) | 1436 sf (Forecourt) | 923 sf (Rotunda)
3RD FLOOR ROTUNDA
Bathed in the natural light that streams through the rotunda’s magnificent glass dome, the ethereal ambience of the third floor exhibition space is complimented by Rosetta lights set in original floral molding. This is a special, intimate space ideally suited to boutique wedding ceremonies, cocktail parties, acoustic recitals and photoshoots.
AVAILABILITY After 5 PM (unavailable on Fridays)
CAPACITY 60 (seated/standing) depends on set-up style
SIZE 696 sf
THE HERITAGE COURTROOMS
Built in 1911, the stately Heritage Courtrooms are recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. The rooms boast original architectural features and serve as an elegant and versatile setting for business meetings and luncheons, team building, weddings, live performances and launch events. The Courtrooms are rented separately.
COURTROOM 302
AVAILABILITY Day and evening; this space is not restricted by the Gallery’s open hours
CAPACITY 60
SEATED CAPACITY 60~ depends on set-up style
SIZE 1187 sf
COURTROOM 301
AVAILABILITY Day and evening; this space is not restricted by the Gallery’s open hours
CAPACITY 60
SEATED CAPACITY 60~ depends on set-up style
SIZE 770 sf
ART RENTALS & SALES
Art Rental & Sales is a not-for-profit organization operated by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Since 1952, the program has promoted emerging and mid-career Canadian artists through the rental and sale of their artwork. All artwork in the rental program is consigned by the artists, who receive the majority of the fees collected. Remaining proceeds help fund programming at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Rent the Showroom for your private event! An intimate space ideal for small corporate parties, cocktails and
small gatherings, the Showroom is an open-concept space filled with natural light and surrounded by original artworks by local artists.
STANDING CAPACITY 30
SEATED CAPACITY n/a
SIZE 504 sf
AVAILABILITY Monday to Sunday, after 5 PM
2–4 HOUR RENTAL
ADD-ONS
- Art Facilitator (15 people max)
- Let one of our AR&S staff members give your group a tour through the Showroom collection