The Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) project to build a new, purpose-built home has encountered a significant setback. Initially announced in 2015 and set to be completed by 2028, the project has now been halted due to skyrocketing costs and a decision to part ways with the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron.
This decision has led to the cancellation of the entire architectural concept, forcing the VAG to return to the drawing board to create a new, financially sustainable design.
The Journey of the Vancouver Art Gallery Project
Since its inception nearly a decade ago, the vision for the new Vancouver Art Gallery has undergone numerous revisions and faced multiple challenges. The initial concept, revealed in 2015, aimed to create a landmark building at the Larwill parking lot site, located at the intersection of West Georgia Street and Cambie Street.
The design featured a 228-ft-tall structure with a stack of varying-sized box volumes, providing 300,000 sq ft of total floor area, including 80,000 sq ft dedicated to exhibition and gallery space.
Initial Funding and Budget Challenges
The project’s initial budget was pegged at $350 million, with $300 million allocated for design and construction and $50 million for a long-term operational endowment. However, by November 2021, the budget had increased to $400 million due to rising costs.
Despite raising $352 million by March 2024, including significant contributions from the provincial and federal governments, the project faced further financial hurdles as construction costs soared by 50%, reaching $600 million.
Parting Ways with Herzog & de Meuron
In a difficult decision, the VAG’s board of directors decided to part ways with Herzog & de Meuron, the internationally renowned Swiss architectural firm selected more than a decade ago in an international design competition.
Over the years, Herzog & de Meuron had made several revisions to the design, but the escalating costs made it clear that a new approach was needed.
Implications of the Decision
The departure of Herzog & de Meuron means the cancellation of the entire architectural concept, including the 228-ft-tall building with its unique box volumes. This design would have provided the VAG with double the exhibition space of its current location in the heritage courthouse building, enabling the gallery to showcase more of its permanent collection, including works by Emily Carr and Indigenous artists.
Looking Ahead: A New Vision for the VAG
Despite the setbacks, the VAG remains committed to building a new home that embodies a diverse and inclusive artistic vision while ensuring financial sustainability.
The gallery plans to hold several consultation opportunities over the coming months to share more details about the next steps for the reimagined project.
Financial Constraints and Market Realities
The VAG’s decision to abandon the Herzog & de Meuron design underscores the financial pressures faced by many capital projects in the post-pandemic era.
Market costs for construction labor, materials, and equipment have skyrocketed, impacting not only the VAG project but also other significant initiatives, including hospitals, schools, and infrastructure projects like the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Anthony Kiendl, CEO and Executive Director of the Vancouver Art Gallery, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the next phase of the project.
The VAG aims to create a building that meets both its artistic mission and practical needs within a fixed budget. The gallery will remain at its current location in the old courthouse building next to Robson Square for the foreseeable future.
The Legacy of Herzog & de Meuron’s Involvement
While the Herzog & de Meuron design will not come to fruition, their involvement over the past decade has provided valuable insights and research that will inform the VAG’s future plans.
The partnership with the esteemed Swiss architectural firm has helped shape the gallery’s vision for what a museum could look like in the 21st century.
Reflecting on the Journey
The journey to create a new home for the Vancouver Art Gallery has been long and challenging. The vision for relocating the VAG to a new purpose-built home began nearly two decades ago, and despite the recent setbacks, the gallery remains dedicated to realizing this vision. The lessons learned and the community’s input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the VAG.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Vancouver Art Gallery
The decision to part ways with Herzog & de Meuron and abandon the current design marks a significant turning point for the Vancouver Art Gallery.
As the gallery embarks on the journey to create a new, financially sustainable design, it remains committed to its mission of showcasing diverse and inclusive artistic visions.
The community’s involvement and support will be essential in bringing this new vision to life.
For more details on the Vancouver Art Gallery’s project and the recent developments, visit the Daily Hive article.