A Guide to South Granville Gallery Row: Vancouver's Premier Art District
Everything you need to know about visiting the art galleries on Granville Street between 5th and 15th Avenue
Stretching along Granville Street between 5th and 15th Avenues, South Granville Gallery Row is Vancouver's most concentrated neighbourhood for commercial fine art galleries. Nine established galleries operate within easy walking distance of each other, making it one of the best places in Western Canada to see, discover, and purchase original artwork in a single afternoon.
Whether you are a seasoned collector, a first-time art buyer, or a visitor looking for a memorable cultural experience in Vancouver, Gallery Row offers something for every interest — from 17th-century European masters and historical Canadian paintings to cutting-edge contemporary work, Indigenous Northwest Coast art, photography, and sculpture.
A Brief History of Gallery Row
South Granville has been associated with art and design since the mid-twentieth century, when dealers and designers began opening shops along this stretch of Granville Street south of the Granville Bridge. The neighbourhood's wide sidewalks, heritage buildings, and proximity to upscale residential areas made it a natural fit for galleries.
By the 1960s, Bau-Xi Gallery had established itself as one of the area's first commercial art spaces. Over the following decades, more galleries followed, drawn by the growing reputation of the street as a cultural destination. In the 1990s, the gallery owners formalized their community by founding the South Granville Gallery Association (SGGA), which continues to coordinate events like the annual Gallery Hop and promote the district to locals and tourists alike.
Today, the nine SGGA member galleries collectively represent hundreds of artists and host dozens of exhibitions each year, making Gallery Row one of the most active art districts in Canada.
The Galleries on Gallery Row
Walking south from the Granville Bridge, here are the galleries you will encounter along Gallery Row. Each has its own character and specialty.
Petley Jones Gallery
2245 Granville Street
Operating since 1986, Petley Jones specializes in both contemporary and historical works. The gallery is known for handling pieces by significant Canadian and international artists, and also offers professional framing, restoration, and appraisal services.
Uno Langmann Limited
2117 Granville Street
A second-generation family business founded in 1977, Uno Langmann is Canada's leading specialist in fine European and North American paintings from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. The gallery's elegant space also features antique furniture, silver, and decorative objects.
Heffel Fine Art Auction House
2247 Granville Street
Heffel is Canada's foremost auction house for historical and contemporary Canadian art. With a permanent gallery in South Granville, they hold regular previews and auctions, attracting collectors from across the country.
Douglas Reynolds Gallery
2335 Granville Street
Established in 1995, Douglas Reynolds is dedicated to historic and contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous art. The gallery showcases museum-quality masks, totem poles, bentwood boxes, sculpture, and gold and silver jewelry from renowned and emerging Indigenous artists.
Kurbatoff Gallery
2435 Granville Street · Visit our gallery →
Kurbatoff Gallery has been part of Gallery Row since 2002. We represent contemporary Canadian artists working in painting, sculpture, and photography — from emerging talents to well-established names. Recognized with the Canadian Business Award for Best Commercial Art Gallery 2020, our gallery offers art consultation services for private collectors and corporate clients, delivery throughout Greater Vancouver, and worldwide shipping.
Meet our artists · Current exhibitions · Browse art by category
Marion Scott Gallery
2423 Granville Street
Marion Scott Gallery focuses on Inuit art and Canadian Indigenous contemporary art. With decades of expertise, the gallery offers a carefully curated collection that includes sculpture, prints, and textiles from communities across Canada's North.
Ian Tan Gallery
2655 Granville Street
Founded in 1999, Ian Tan Gallery showcases both emerging and established artists in contemporary Canadian art. The gallery's bright, open space with soaring ceilings makes it an inviting place to explore paintings, drawings, and sculpture.
The Art Emporium
2928 Granville Street
One of Vancouver's longest-running art businesses, The Art Emporium offers a wide range of original and limited-edition works across many styles, from traditional landscapes to contemporary abstract art.
Bau-Xi Gallery
3045 Granville Street
Vancouver's oldest commercial gallery, Bau-Xi was founded in 1965 and operates from a purpose-built, light-filled building at the southern end of Gallery Row. A founding member of the South Granville Gallery Association and the Art Dealers Association of Canada, Bau-Xi represents Canadian artists and international photographers working across a variety of media and styles.
Planning Your Visit to Gallery Row
Best Time to Visit
Most galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday, typically from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with Sunday hours of noon to 5:00 PM. Mondays are generally closed. Opening receptions for new exhibitions are usually held on Saturday afternoons — attending one is a wonderful way to meet artists, enjoy refreshments, and see new work unveiled for the first time.
The annual South Granville Gallery Hop, organized by the SGGA, is a free event held each fall. All nine galleries participate, making it the perfect introduction to the district for first-time visitors.
Getting There
Gallery Row is easy to reach from downtown Vancouver. The #10 bus runs directly along Granville Street through the gallery district. If driving, metered street parking is available along Granville and the surrounding side streets. The walk from one end of Gallery Row to the other takes roughly 20 minutes at a leisurely pace, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Tips for First-Time Gallery Visitors
Visiting a commercial art gallery can feel intimidating if you have never done it before, but every gallery on Gallery Row welcomes walk-in visitors and there is no pressure to buy. Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
Take your time. Gallery staff are happy to let you browse at your own pace. Look closely at the work that draws you in.
Ask questions. Gallery staff know their artists well and love sharing the stories behind the work. Asking about technique, inspiration, or an artist's background is always welcome.
Start with what you like. If you are thinking about purchasing art, trust your instinct. The best piece for your home or office is the one you connect with emotionally.
Ask about services. Most galleries, including ours, offer delivery and installation within Vancouver, as well as shipping for out-of-town buyers. Many also provide consultation services to help you choose artwork that suits your space.
What Makes South Granville Gallery Row Unique
Compared to other gallery districts in Canadian cities, South Granville stands out for the range of art you can see within a short walk. Nowhere else in Vancouver can you move from a 350-year-old Dutch painting to a bold contemporary Canadian landscape to a masterfully carved Northwest Coast Indigenous mask — all within a few blocks. The galleries here are owner-operated, long-established, and deeply knowledgeable about the art they carry.
The neighbourhood itself complements the gallery experience. South Granville is home to excellent restaurants, independent boutiques, and specialty shops, making it easy to combine a gallery walk with a meal or an afternoon of browsing.
Buying Art on Gallery Row
Gallery Row is one of the best places in Vancouver to buy original art. Every gallery carries works at a range of price points, from affordable smaller pieces and limited-edition prints to major works by established artists. Commercial galleries like the ones on Gallery Row handle the logistics of art buying — including framing, delivery, installation, and certificates of authenticity — so the experience is straightforward and enjoyable.
At Kurbatoff Gallery, we work with first-time collectors and experienced buyers alike. We offer personal consultations, in-home trials when possible, and delivery throughout Greater Vancouver. For buyers outside British Columbia, we arrange professional packaging and worldwide shipping. Whether you are looking for a statement piece for your living room or building a corporate collection, we can help you find the right artwork.
Visit Kurbatoff Gallery on Gallery Row
We are located at 2435 Granville Street, in the heart of South Granville Gallery Row.
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee to visit the galleries?
No. All commercial art galleries on South Granville Gallery Row are free to enter. You are welcome to browse without any obligation to purchase.
Can I buy art directly from the galleries?
Yes. Every gallery on Gallery Row sells original artwork directly to the public. Prices are available on request, and most galleries accept various payment methods. Many also offer instalment plans for larger purchases.
Is Gallery Row suitable for families?
Absolutely. Children are welcome in the galleries, and many young visitors find it an inspiring experience. The neighbourhood is safe, walkable, and has plenty of cafes for breaks between gallery visits.
How long does it take to walk Gallery Row?
The galleries span roughly one kilometre along Granville Street. Walking the full distance takes about 20 minutes without stops. If you plan to spend time in each gallery, allow two to three hours for a thorough visit.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Gallery Row is active year-round, with new exhibitions opening monthly. The fall Gallery Hop event (typically in October) is an excellent time for a first visit, as all galleries participate with special programming. Spring and autumn exhibition seasons tend to feature the most new work.