The Vancouver Art Gallery has unveiled 'Highlights from the Collection,' a major long-term exhibition featuring 200 works selected from its permanent holdings of over 13,000 items. Curated by a team led by Eva Respini, the show marks a strategic shift for the institution by committing to a semi-permanent display that will remain on view until 2030. The exhibition includes iconic pieces ranging from Gathie Falk’s ceramics to Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe prints and Claes Oldenburg’s sculptures.
This initiative serves as a critical bridge for the museum as it navigates the transition toward a proposed new building. By showcasing the depth of its permanent collection—much of which has been hidden in storage for decades—the gallery is making a public case for the necessity of more space while increasing accessibility for the local community. The exhibition also honors the historical legacy of past curators like Doris Shadbolt, highlighting how the institution's identity has been shaped by strategic acquisitions and the generosity of donors over the last century.