British Columbia is a work of art. It’s no surprise that our magnificent natural surroundings and rich history and culture have provided endless inspiration to many artists who call B.C. home.
There is no better time than now for B.C. residents to visit a world-class art museum dedicated to elevating the art of this province. For those visiting Whistler this summer, an experience is closer than you think!
Located in Whistler Village across from the Olympic Plaza, the Audain Art Museum plays a central role in championing the visual arts in B.C. Since its establishment in 2016 — through a major philanthropic gift by Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa — the Audain has successfully positioned itself as a leading cultural institution in both B.C. and Canada; through its impressive collection of artistic production, the Museum brings people together in sharing common social values while constructively exploring cultural differences.
The Audain Art Museum’s outstanding Permanent Collection is focused on historical and contemporary B.C. art, housing over 200 works spanning from the late 18th century to the present.
Dr. Curtis Collins, Director & Chief Curator conducts tour during the Alta + Audain: Fine Dining Art Experience. Photo: Darby Magill.
Anchoring the collection is James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), the most significant contemporary carved cedar dance screen in the world. Other highlights include an important collection of 19th and 20th century First Nations masks, a comprehensive selection of paintings by Emily Carr, a brilliant range of works by Vancouver’s photo-conceptualists alongside art by some of Canada’s most celebrated artists.
The Museum hosts two temporary exhibitions per year that feature artists and collections of national as well as international significance. The current Special Exhibition, The Extended Moment: Fifty Years of Collecting Photographs, is organized by the Canadian Photography Institute of the National Gallery of Canada.
Now extended through to October 18, the exhibition provides visitors with a rare opportunity to witness the arc of visual medium from 19th century European daguerreotype portraits to early 21st century figurative azo dye prints from Asia. B.C. based artists featured in The Extended Moment include Stan Douglas and the late Fred Herzog.
Alta + Audain: Fine Dining Art Experience. Photo: Darby Magill.
In partnership with Alta Bistro, the Audain Art Museum is offering a new outdoor dining experience on Friday evenings through to September 4. Blending art and food, the Alta + Audain: Fine Dining Art Experience showcases the respective excellence of B.C.'s visual and culinary arts.
The night starts with an intimate guided tour of the Museum and is followed by an open-air dinner beneath the architecturally-stunning building designed by Vancouver-based firm Patkau Architects. A new menu will be offered each night, centering on seasonal themes B.C. flavours, and regional ingredients, curated in partnership with local foragers and farmers.
Reservations must be booked in advance, with a contactless payment experience available including timed seating, dining details, and wine selection. Visit altabistro.com/audain to make a reservation.
The Audain Art Museum is now open from Thursday to Sunday (and on holiday Mondays) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 56,000 square foot building provides ample space for a physically distant cultural experience. Arrows, signage, and sanitization stations simplify the process, along with the thoughtful design of the building which creates a linear, one-directional flow of traffic.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online for a contactless payment experience. Admission can also be purchased in person, upon arrival where debit or credit card payment is encouraged.
For ticket sales and museum info, visit audainartmuseum.com/visit.
