Discover Emily Carr’s stunning vision of B.C. landscapes in Vancouver Art Gallery’s largest exhibition in two decades, opening Feb. 6, 2026.
Vancouver Art Gallery Unveils Major Emily Carr Exhibition
Fans of British Columbia’s iconic artist Emily Carr are in for a treat. The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) will launch its most comprehensive Carr exhibition in over 20 years, “That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature,” running from February 6 to November 6, 2026.
Named after a phrase from Carr’s personal journals, the exhibition highlights the gallery’s extensive Emily Carr Collection—the largest in the world—offering visitors an immersive journey through her groundbreaking work.
A Landmark Celebration of a Canadian Icon
Born in Victoria and active until the end of World War II, Emily Carr is celebrated as one of Canada’s most influential artists. Her modernist approach transformed how British Columbia’s landscapes are perceived, interpreted, and represented.
Eva Respini, interim co-CEO and curator at large, describes the exhibit as “a landmark experience inviting everyone—from school groups to tourists—to encounter Carr’s vision of the Pacific Northwest in ways that spark dialogue, discovery, and joy.”
Out with the Old, In with the Grand
The new exhibition replaces the smaller fourth-floor show, “Navigating an Impenetrable Landscape,” which closed this week. The expanded display promises a richer, deeper look into Carr’s artistic world, offering fans and newcomers alike fresh perspectives on her iconic depictions of nature.
More Art to Explore at VAG
While Carr takes center stage, other exhibitions continue to draw attention. “Enemy Alien: Tamio Wakayama” delves into the New Westminster-born photographer’s 1960s images documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. Featured is Cindy Mochizuki’s 2024 documentary, Between Pictures: The Lens of Tamio Wakayama.
Visitors are also greeted by the vibrant installation Jim Lambie: Zobop (Colour-Chrome), where colorful vinyl tape transforms the grand staircase into a playful, immersive experience. Lambie, a Glasgow-based artist, DJ, and musician, brings bold energy to the gallery’s entrance.
Family-Friendly Art and Free Access
VAG makes art accessible for everyone. Kids under 18 always visit free, while “Free First Friday” events open the doors to adults from 4 to 8 p.m. (next on Feb. 6). Sundays are perfect for family outings, with hands-on activities in The Making Place and 2 p.m. family tours.
The gallery, located at 750 Hornby St., is closed Tuesdays, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on most other days, and until 8 p.m. on Fridays.
Looking Ahead: VAG’s Future Home
Plans are underway for VAG’s relocation to Larwill Park at West Georgia and Cambie Streets. While no official date has been announced, conceptual designs are expected later in 2026, signaling an exciting new chapter for Vancouver’s art scene.
