Museums & Galleries

The Arts
Contemporary & Native

Arts, culture, and heritage are integral to society, playing a large part in the development of a healthy, sustainable and vibrant community.   Campbell River, through strong partnerships between industry, business and cultural groups, have developed institutions and programs that rank second to none in the country.

The local arts scene celebrates both the rich tradition of local First Nations artistry and cultural expressions, and a vibrant contemporary visual and performing arts community.

Our city is alive with cultural places to visit!  Don’t miss:

Sybil Andrews’ Cottage in Willow Point (painting courtesy Heather Hughson)

Leading the way since 1970 has been the Campbell River Community Arts Council (CRCAC).  Today the Council supports over 150 artists and art groups, promoting their work not only to the rest of the Island, but to the rest of the country.  The Arts Council is located in the Sybil Andrews Cottage, a building in Willow Point seeking national heritage status through the Sybil Andrews Heritage Society.  Sybil Andrews is an internationally recognized artist.  She arrived in Campbell River in 1947, producing work and teaching in the Cottage until her death in 1992.  Don’t miss the chance to visit this historic spot located in Willow Point, at the south end of Campbell River.

Haig-Brown Heritage Site, located at the north end of the city is a wonderful place to visit. The riverbank garden, orchard and woodland are filled with the richness of nature captured in the writing of renowned author and conservationist Roderick Haig-Brown. Inside the historic Haig-Brown family home, thousands of books line the walls of the study where many of his famous works were penned. Guided tours of the heritage site are available throughout the summer. In September, the pleasant grounds are the site of the annual Haig-Brown Festival, a day full of activities that celebrate fish and fishing, the beauty and diversity of the river, the wonder of nature and the eloquent writing of Roderick Haig-Brown.

Experience local, national and international art at the Campbell River Public Art Gallery. It presents over 15 exhibitions annually. The gallery also offers year round classes and workshops or drop in for our bi-weekly family event, Super Saturdays. The Coastal Gift Shop features handcrafts by Vancouver Island artisans.
12-5:00 Tues-Sat in winter and 10-5:00 Mon-Sat, June–August. 1235 Shoppers’ Row, Campbell River  (250) 287-2261 www.crartgal.ca 

The Museum at Campbell River holds a fine collection of permanent exhibits that represent the unique culture and history of Northern Vancouver Island. Highlights include Logging, the Salmon Fishing Industry, the Ripple Rock Story and First Nations exhibits..  Adjoining the Exhibit Galleries are the Archives Research Centre and the Campbell River Museum Shop.  Year round programs provide in-depth examination of local historic events for both the public and school groups.    470 Island Highway (250) 287-3103  www.crmuseum.ca

Tidemark Theatre is a live theatre presenting both professional and community plays, concerts and musicals. We nurture and encourage appreciation for live theatre as a vibrant piece of the cultural fabric of our community.  The lobby art display, featuring some of our best local artists, is changed monthly.
1220 Shoppers Row, Campbell River,  250-287-7465  or 1-800-994-0555   www.tidemark-theatre.com

 

Zeballos Heritage Museum
The Zeballos Heritage Museum has an interesting collection of photos and artifacts from the gold rush times.  A self-guided walking tour booklet is available at several locations in town, including the museum.