Did you know Whistler has an incredible art museum right in the village? The Audain Art Museum is one of the best places to see the art of British Columbia and is an absolute treat to visit. I am a little sad to think how many times we’ve walk past this spot on the way to the ski slopes without knowing how amazing it is to venture inside!

The Audain Art Museum is supported by two main benefactors; Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa, who made a major philanthropic gift to build and establish the museum.

Audain Art Museum – the basics

• Location: 4350 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC
• Hours: Open Thursday to Monday, 11 AM to 6 PM; closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Admission Prices: Adults $22

Audain Art Museum building

The museum’s building is a work of art itself! It is quite minimalistic, and manages to blend into the surrounding forest. The dark metal cladding reflects the light and shadows of the surrounding trees while the lighter wood highlights the entrances. The building is elevated above ground to avoid the floodplain of Fitzsimmons Creek. This lets in plenty of light. Once you’re inside there is a glazed walkway that overlooks a meadow. It’s gorgeous.

The Three Watchmen

Just outside the entrance is a 6m tall bronze statue. It was a collaboration of three renowned Indigenous artists: James “Jim” Hart, a hereditary chief of the Haida Nation; Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) from the Squamish Nation; and Levi Nelson from the Lil’wat Nation. The piece reflects themes of guardianship, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia.

Totem at the entrance

The main entrance has a fabulous modern totem. It is titled He-yay meymuy (Big Flood), and was created by contemporary Squamish artist Xwalacktun, one of the collaborators for the three watchmen. It’s made from aluminum and lit with LED lights. I love that it seems like a a modern expression of traditional storytelling and spiritual beliefs. It sets the tone for the museum’s permanent collection that includes both historical and recent works of art.

The Dance Screen

One of the first artworks you’ll see is the most impressive – James Hart’s massive cedar sculpture that celebrates the salmons significance in Indigenous culture. This is the largest self-standing dance screen in the world (weighing 5.5 tons). But it’s the details that make it amazing. The salmon sparkle with blue and silvery abalone shells.

During dance performances, the bottom section with the shaman can open to allow dancers to step through the screen. (See the video here.)

Emily Carr Gallery

Emily Carr was a Canadian artist (1871 – 1945) who was inspired by the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The museum has the largest collection of Carr’s paintings anywhere. It’s really cool to see her art evolve over the years.

Marc and I learned about the group of seven while we studied for our Canadian Citizenship test, so it was really cool to see some of their work displayed here too. I loved the landscapes by E.J Hughes. (Left= Carr, Right = Hughes)

First Nations Masks

The museum boasts an amazing collections of historical masks from BCs Northwest Coast, alongside contemporary pieces by Indigenous artists. I am always in awe of sculptures so loved these!

Post-war Modernists

There are more galleries with works by contemporary artists.

I found the “Nations in an Urban Landscape” really powerful (and depressing) as this is the view accurately reflects the scenery down the road from where we live in Vancouver. This one is also by Levi Nelson.

The other one that blew me away was Last Light, by Kim Dorland. It makes me think of those awful days when the air is filled with smoke from wildfires.

Temporary Exhibitions

Once you are finished with the fabulous permanent collection, continue upstairs for more. There is another gorgeous gallery upstairs which seems change regularly.

All in all, I really enjoyed visiting the Audain Art Museum. It is a calm space and is quite different to the galleries I am used to back in London. If you are interested in BC’s First Nation’s culture and depictions of the gorgeous scenery we hike through, you’ll enjoy it.

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