Vancouver Art Gallery Interior Renovation
Vancouver Art Gallery · Vancouver, BC · Completed
- Role
- General Contractor
- Client
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
- Floor area
- Approx. 4,500 sq. ft.
- Schedule
- One-year period
- Status
- Completed
Project overview
An interior renovation and modernization inside a heritage building in downtown Vancouver, delivered by Hilson Construction as general contractor over one year. The approximately 4,500 sq. ft. scope upgraded washrooms, offices, reception, electrical and HVAC while the gallery stayed open to the public.
The need
The Vancouver Art Gallery needed approximately 4,500 sq. ft. of its downtown Vancouver building modernized, covering washrooms, offices, reception, electrical and HVAC, without closing the gallery and without compromising the historic architectural character of the building. HVAC improvements also had to support the specific requirements of art preservation.
Scope of work
- Modernized washrooms
- Renovated offices with custom workstations and storage
- Renovated reception area
- Upgraded electrical infrastructure
- Energy-efficient lighting systems
- Enhanced HVAC designed to support art preservation
- Improved accessibility
- General infrastructure upgrades
What made it demanding
The project had to balance contemporary improvements with preservation of the building’s historic architectural character, with heritage consultants involved in the decisions. At the same time the gallery remained open to visitors, staff and artists, so construction had to be contained and controlled inside an operating cultural institution.
How Hilson delivered
Working closely with gallery management, heritage consultants and facility teams, Hilson implemented a phased construction approach that minimized disruption to ongoing operations while maintaining a safe and controlled environment. Each phase addressed a defined area, whether washrooms, offices, reception or infrastructure, so the gallery could keep functioning around the work over the one-year construction period.
What was delivered
The completed renovation provides a more accessible, comfortable and efficient environment for visitors, staff and artists while respecting the Vancouver Art Gallery’s heritage and cultural identity. For museums, galleries, heritage buildings and other institutions, the project shows Hilson coordinating with heritage consultants and phasing work inside an operating public facility.
Site photos
Frequently asked questions
Has Hilson Construction worked on the Vancouver Art Gallery?
Yes. Hilson Construction completed an approximately 4,500 sq. ft. interior renovation and modernization for the Vancouver Art Gallery over a one-year period.
Can Hilson renovate a heritage building in Vancouver?
Yes. The Vancouver Art Gallery renovation was delivered in coordination with heritage consultants, balancing contemporary improvements with preservation of the building’s historic architectural character.
What was included in the Vancouver Art Gallery renovation?
Modernized washrooms, renovated offices, upgraded electrical infrastructure, energy-efficient lighting, enhanced HVAC designed to support art preservation, improved accessibility, custom workstations and storage, infrastructure upgrades and a renovated reception area.
Can Hilson work inside a gallery or museum that stays open?
Yes. The Vancouver Art Gallery remained operational during the renovation; Hilson used a phased construction approach to minimize disruption while maintaining a safe and controlled environment.
Planning a similar project?
Tell us about your cultural / institutional project and we will respond with next steps, or invite Hilson to bid on a defined scope.