Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV), Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria comprises two distinct parts: the Spencer Mansion and the Exhibition Galleries. The former, a Victorian-style residence built in 1889 by William Ridgeway Wilson, was repurposed to house the museum. It was once part of a larger property that included a garden, two tennis courts, stables, and a coach house, and even had a belvedere with a view of the ocean. Originally called Gyppeswyk (which means Ipswich in Old English), the mansion was built for the Green family. After the destruction of the original Government House, Cary Castle, in 1903, Gyppeswyk briefly served as the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. In 1951, Sarah Spencer donated the building to the institution that later became the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV).
The Exhibition Galleries, on the other hand, are a modernist-style expansion wing consisting of seven galleries. They were built in phases between the 1950s and 1978 and provide a striking contrast between historic and modern architecture, which is characteristic of the gallery's overall aesthetic.
The AGGV's largest and most prominent gallery is the Main Gallery, which showcases the museum's permanent collection of over 20,000 works of art from different time periods and cultures, including contemporary Canadian and international, historical European, and Asian art. Meanwhile, the Contemporary Gallery is dedicated to showcasing works that challenge traditional artistic conventions and push the boundaries of what is possible in art.
Moreover, the museum houses the Ker Gallery, which focuses on Inuit and First Nations art; the Lab Gallery, which showcases experimental and multimedia works; and the Founders' Gallery, which features historical Canadian art from the early 20th century.
In addition to its permanent collection, the AGGV also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often feature works by both established and emerging artists and cover a wide range of artistic styles and themes.
Why You Should Visit:
A testament to the city's rich history and culture, the Spencer Masion provides a fitting backdrop for the museum's impressive collection of art.
Friendly staff, tranquil atmosphere, the gift shop is definitely worth a look and there is also art available for sale or rent.
Tip:
Watch the AGGV website for openings, exhibits, special events, and sales.
The Exhibition Galleries, on the other hand, are a modernist-style expansion wing consisting of seven galleries. They were built in phases between the 1950s and 1978 and provide a striking contrast between historic and modern architecture, which is characteristic of the gallery's overall aesthetic.
The AGGV's largest and most prominent gallery is the Main Gallery, which showcases the museum's permanent collection of over 20,000 works of art from different time periods and cultures, including contemporary Canadian and international, historical European, and Asian art. Meanwhile, the Contemporary Gallery is dedicated to showcasing works that challenge traditional artistic conventions and push the boundaries of what is possible in art.
Moreover, the museum houses the Ker Gallery, which focuses on Inuit and First Nations art; the Lab Gallery, which showcases experimental and multimedia works; and the Founders' Gallery, which features historical Canadian art from the early 20th century.
In addition to its permanent collection, the AGGV also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often feature works by both established and emerging artists and cover a wide range of artistic styles and themes.
Why You Should Visit:
A testament to the city's rich history and culture, the Spencer Masion provides a fitting backdrop for the museum's impressive collection of art.
Friendly staff, tranquil atmosphere, the gift shop is definitely worth a look and there is also art available for sale or rent.
Tip:
Watch the AGGV website for openings, exhibits, special events, and sales.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Victoria. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) on Map
Sight Name: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV)
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Victoria, Canada (See walking tours in Victoria)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Victoria, British Columbia
Create Your Own Walk in Victoria
Creating your own self-guided walk in Victoria is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Victoria Introduction Walking Tour
Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia, Victoria, is known for its beautiful natural scenery, mild climate, marvelous Victorian-style architecture, and cultural scene. Collectively all these qualities have contributed to this Pacific coastal city's informal title of "Athens of the West".
The region's First... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The region's First... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Victoria's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
They say, Victoria is a jewel of a city with its blend of timeless charm and grace, in which historic architecture coexists with a modern and vibrant cultural scene. Indeed, for a relatively young city, Victoria boasts a wealth of incredibly beautiful heritage sites carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy. The moment you cruise into the capital of British Columbia, you can feel a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles