Nanaimo Art Gallery is a small, welcoming public art space located on the lands of the Snuneymuxw in downtown Nanaimo. It features a rotating exhibition space that showcases contemporary art from local artists, Canadian artists, and international artists. Visitors can enjoy a variety of public programs, including weekly tours, special events, workshops, and drop-in activities like Art Lab Sunday. The gallery also has a gift shop with over 90 locally made items, making it a great place to find unique gifts and support local arts and culture. Though compact, the gallery offers meaningful experiences with exhibitions such as pottery collections and contemporary art displays. Visitors can participate in engaging activities like pottery workshops and learn more about the exhibits through informative talks. The gallery is conveniently located near other cultural sites, making it a fun and educational destination. Entrance is by donation, and the setup is well-organized, providing an enjoyable environment for locals and visitors alike to explore and appreciate art.
Brought my learning center class to the gallery. The guide did a great job and the kids loved the art activity after the tour.
November 2025
Love this spot for so many reasons but at this point in my life it's the kids programs that really shine!! The staff and the programs are all so wonderful and inclusive and it's just such a wonderful place for kids to be creative!