Welcome to the newly redesigned Robson Plaza!

In 2016, Nick Milkovich Architects and Hapa Collaborative were hired to convert the 800 block of Robson Street into a permanent civic plaza to complete the urban oasis at Robson Square. The team was joined by Studio Parsons, conducting an extensive stakeholder and public engagement process to establish the guiding principles for the project.

After principles were established, NMA and Hapa—joined by a supporting team of consultants, set out to transform the existing roadway into a new pedestrian-orientated plaza that would support daily activities and an allow for new and exciting uses. 

Pedestrian Safehaven

As our city continues to grow and densify, the demands for outdoor civic space becomes increasingly more important. Citizens need outdoor space that is safe, accessible, and conducive to a range of activities.

Prior to the plaza, this block of Robson Street already saw a high volume of pedestrian traffic sometimes at odds with cycling and vehicle traffic. This space is often used to meet, gather, protest, and celebrate—needs that also required a safe and conducive environment.

The desire to create a pedestrian civic space at this location arose out of a consideration for an accessible, safe, and adaptable pedestrian space. The resulting design aims to embody this while also embracing the heritage aspects of the adjoining architecture.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is recognized as one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions. The Gallery’s innovative ground-breaking exhibitions, extensive public programs and emphasis on advancing scholarship all focus on the historical and contemporary art of British Columbia and international centres, with special attention to the accomplishments of First Nations artists and the art of the Asia Pacific region­—through the Institute of Asian Art founded in 2014. The Gallery’s programs also explore the impacts of images in the larger sphere of visual culture, design and architecture.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is a not-for-profit organization supported by its members, individual donors, corporate funders, foundations, the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is open. Find out more about what’s on view inside and stay informed about upcoming events by checking their website regularly.