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----------------------------Original message---------------------------- This message will be cross-posted to arlis-nw and carlis-l ARLIS/NA VANCOUVER CONFERENCE BULLETIN #4, July 5, 1998 ************************************************************************ THE MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA One of the delights of any trip to Vancouver is a visit to the Museum of Anthropology, one of the premier museums in the world. Located on the lush grounds of the University of British Columbia, its arresting building, designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson, recalls the post and beam structures of the Northwest Coast nations. Made of glass and concrete rather than traditional cedar logs and planks, it undeniably enhances the visitor's experience of seeing the collections it holds. Be sure to walk around the museum to see the Grand Hall from the outside and how the building fits into the grounds that overlook the waters of Howe Sound and the magnificent mountains on Vancouver's north shore. Exploring this collection is always a journey of surprises, no matter how many times you visit. Entering the museum's main hall, you can see displays of totem poles and canoes, chests and serving vessels from the cultures of the Northwest Coast. In the unique open-storage galleries are displayed MOA's fine collection of cultural objects from an array of world cultures. More than 15,000 objects are arranged in geographical and cultural groupings, both in cases and in nearby storage drawers. When opened, each drawer reveals new discoveries - from Iroquois pipestems to Nigerian carvings to Japanese fans. For those of you who have followed the career of the late Haida artist, Bill Reid, this is also a unique opportunity to see the largest collection of his works, from his fine gold jewellery to his monumental sculpture, The Raven and the First Men, strikingly displayed to allow for a full 360 viewing. If you can, I also strongly recommend a visit to the Koerner Ceramics Gallery, showcasing 15th to 19th century European ceramics. This legacy from the Koerner family contains over 600 historical pieces, as well as contemporary B.C. ceramic and fibre arts. The Museum of Anthropology is a definite must for all visitors (and long time residents!), especially those interested in enjoying its unique architecture and in viewing its superb collections of the material cultures of the world. For more information on the Museum, visit their website at: http://www.moa.ubc.ca. And for another museum highlight, see if you can plan a visit to the Royal British Columbia Museum across the water in Victoria see its website at http://rbcm1.gov.bc.ca ********************************************************************* Moira Steven MA, MLIS Vancouver, B.C. Canada [log in to unmask]