If you enjoy murder mystery novels or forensic science dramas on television, the Vancouver Police Museum is the perfect destination for you.
It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the city’s history of crime, law enforcement and forensic science in the City of Vancouver.
We’re here to equip you with all the details you need to ensure your visit to this unconventional attraction is truly captivating!
The Vancouver Police Museum
Nestled at the crossroads of historic Gastown and Chinatown, the Vancouver Police Museum recounts the history of crime, forensics, and law enforcement in Vancouver.
It allows visitors to inspect a collection of over 20,000 rare artifacts, Vancouver Police Museum photos and archival documents, including:
- Confiscated firearms, counterfeit money and illicit drugs
- Police equipment (handcuffs, firearms and communication equipment)
- Police badges, insignias and uniforms
- Old mugshots, newspaper clippings and criminal records
- Preserved human organs from victims of crime
In addition, the museum offers education programs that are sure to bring out the buddying detective in anyone!
Whether you’d like to learn about notable historical crimes or the ins and outs of forensics, this unique museum is definitely a must visit attraction for fans of mystery, murder, and intrigue.
Vancouver Police Museum History
The museum is located in a stunning heritage building that was constructed in 1932. The site was home to the city’s coroners court, morgue and autopsy facility until 1980 when they were relocated to a larger venue.
The VPM initially opened its doors in 1986, making it the oldest Police Museum in North America. It’s operated by the non-profit Vancouver Police Historical Society, with the aim of educating the public and honouring the sacrifices of the city’s law enforcement officers.
The museum has gone on to become a popular attraction with tourists and locals alike, and is one of the best things to do in Vancouver, period
What to See at the Vancouver Police Museum
The Vancouver Police Museum is divided up into roughly a half-dozen rooms that house a variety of exhibits which focus on specific topics.
Here we’ll give you with a brief overview of each exhibit, so you aren’t walking in blind.
Forensic Identification
Perfect for fans of the hit TV series C.S.I, the Forensic Identification Exhibit focuses on the evolution of crime scene investigation and forensic science.
The exhibit is housed in Vancouver’s former morgue and autopsy room, which remains relatively unchanged since being de-commissioned. You can expect to find two stainless steel slabs, a scale for weighing organs and a blackboard for recording data.
Perhaps most notably, the exhibit also houses a collection of preserved organs with evidence of gun-shot wounds, knife wounds or trauma inflicted by blunt objects.
While definitely not for children, or the squeamish alike, this unique exhibit offers visitors a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore a true morgue environment.
True Crime
The True Crime Exhibit is perfect for fans of murder, mystery and intrigue.
It houses historical newspaper clippings, photos and crime scene evidence from a variety of Vancouver’s most notorious crimes.
From the infamous “Milkshake Murders” to unsolved cold cases like the famous “Babes in the Woods” murder mystery, the exhibit examines the various investigative and scientific methods used in the city’s most famous cases.
Sins Gallery
The Sins Gallery houses an extensive collection of contraband confiscated from criminals throughout Vancouver’s history. From counterfeit money to drug paraphernalia, it’s all there on display.
The wall of weapons will be of particular interest, displaying numerous firearms obtained during the raids and arrests of Vancouver’s most notorious criminals.
If you’re in Vancouver with kids, there is an extensive display of police uniforms and badges, some of which they can even try on!
Another display allow visitors to test their memory by attempting to create a mug shot of an individual of whom they’ve only been provided a brief glimpse.
If you’re looking for a snap for Instagram, the Sins Gallery allows you to take advantage of a rare jail cell photo opp!
Related: Best Museums in Vancouver
Never Forgotten
In a more somber exhibit, Never Forgotten takes an in depth look at the life, legacy, and stories of officers who’ve lost their lives while on duty.
Unfortunately, in the history of the Vancouver Municipal Police Force 16 officers and 8 police dogs have made the ultimate sacrifice to make the city a safer place.
Never Forgotten provides background on the incidents that claimed their lives. Visitors will receive further insight on the depth of their sacrifice as explored by fellow officers, family, and the public.
One thing is for sure: you’re guaranteed to leave this exhibit with an increased appreciation for the work of police officers.
Vancouver Police Museum Prices
The Vancouver Police Museum admission is as follows:
- Adults (19-64): $13.50
- Seniors (65+): $12.00
- Youth (6-18): $10.00
- Family (two adults + two youths): $35.00
*Children under 5 are free
It is strongly recommended to buy smart phone scan tickets in advance using the calendar below:
Vancouver Police Museum Hours
The Vancouver Police Museum’s hours of operation are as follows:
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
*The museum is closed Monday to Wednesday and statutory holidays
How long do you need for the Vancouver Police Museum? I recommend allotting at least one hour to fully enjoy all of the exhibits.
Directions to the Vancouver Police Museum
Address: 240 East Cordova Street
The Vancouver Police Museum and Archives is located right on the fringes of Gastown and Chinatown, making it easily accessible from the downtown core.
If you’re taking the Skytrain, it’s about a 15 minute walk from Waterfront Station.
However, if you already happen to be visiting Gastown, the museum is just a short 5-7 minute walk from Maple Tree Square.
Walking
The directions from Waterfront Station are as follows:
- Exit the station and take a left along West Cordova Street.
- Simply follow W. Cordova for around 1 kilometre, it’ll eventually turn into East Cordova.
- Once you’ve past Main Street continue on for half a block and you will see the Vancouver Police Museum on the South side of the street, on your right.
The Police museum is located beside the Police Station, on the edge of the Downtown Eastside (DTES), which is Vancouver’s poorest neighbourhood.
While we don’t personally find the area dangerous, many visitors are uncomfortable being confronted with the homelessness and addiction which is unfortunately quite prevalent in the area.
We’d recommend avoiding Hastings Street on your journey for this reason. Just remember, the Police Station is only a block away, so it is the safest area in the neighbourhood.
Public Transportation
The Vancouver Police Museum is easily accessible using either the #4 Powell Street or #7 Nanaimo Station buses. The directions from Waterfront Station can be found below:
- Enter a Skytrain station that services the Canada or Expo line and purchase a one zone ticket ($3.15 or $2.55 with Compass Card). Board a train bound for Waterfront Station, it’ll be the terminus station on both lines.
- Upon reaching Waterfront, walk upstairs and depart the station via the main exit for West Cordova Street. Cross the street and take a left until you reach the first bus stop.
- Board either the #4 Powell Street or #7 Nanaimo Station buses. Your fare is still valid!
- Stay aboard until you reach Main Street and exit the bus. Walk half a block East on E. Cordova and you will see the Vancouver Police Museum on your right.
For more information on the Vancouver public transportation system, visit our Vancouver Public transport guide.
For schedules check out Translink.
Driving
For those who’ve got their own vehicles, driving may be the easiest way to visit the Police Museum. Custom directions can be found here.
Vancouver Police Museum Parking
The museum is on the smaller side and has minimal parking available. As a result you’ll likely be forced to park on the street.
We’d recommend visiting the Vancouver page at Best Parking to find the closest parking at an affordable rate.
Vancouver Police Museum Events
The Vancouver Police Museum is also known to hold a variety of special events throughout the year.
Typically these include a variety of After Dark events, which are catered towards adults and even include a full bar. Recent examples include the popular Night Court trivia night and Paranormal Investigations, a VIP ghost hunting experience.
However, there are also often events aimed at children, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
To see what is being offered while you’re in town hit up the Vancouver Police Museum’s events page.
Vancouver Police Museum Visitor Tips
Before we bring this article to a close, we’ll leave you with a few key tips to make sure you enjoy your visit to the Vancouver Police Museum as much as we did.
1) Budget at least an hour
The museum isn’t huge by any means, but the interactive and engaging exhibits will be sure to peak your interest.
Many visitors end up taking an hour or two to thoroughly investigate the various exhibits.
2) Go early in the day
While the Police Museum doesn’t tend to get completely overrun by visitors, it’s located in a fairly small building, so even a moderate crowd can make it feel a little cramped.
Many visitors in the Summertime have noted that the building lacks air conditioning. This can make it quite warm once the crowd begins to arrive in the early afternoon.
Going earlier in the day can serve to mitigate these factors and will ensure that you have more time to enjoy yourself in relative peace.
3) Take a walking tour
The Police Museum also offers a variety of unconventional walking tours of surrounding top Vancouver neighbourhoods like Gastown, Chinatown and Strathcona.
The Sins of the City tours tell the story of Vancouver’s past from a perspective rarely discussed in the history books.
The best part is the cost of a walking tour includes free admission to the Vancouver Police Museum, making it one of the better deals in the city.
4) Visit neighbouring Chinatown and Gastown
The Vancouver Police Museum is located right at the crossroads of Vancouver’s two most historic neighbourhoods.
We highly recommend visiting the museum as part of a larger Vancouver itinerary that includes the attractions and landmarks located within these districts.
For more information on what these neighbourhoods have to offer, check out our Gastown and Chinatown neighbourhood guides.
6) Stay safe
Though it is located right across from the Police Station, the Vancouver Police Museum also sits on the fringes of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, the city’s poorest neighbourhood.
Though you are unlikely to experience problems, we recommend avoiding East Hastings Street if you are walking to the Vancouver Police Museum.
If you are particularly uncomfortable around homelessness or addiction, we’d recommend taking public transit, as described in the section above.
Alternatively, the museum is a short cab ride from Downtown or Gastown, so it shouldn’t prove too costly.
Vancouver Police Museum FAQ
Where is the Vancouver Police Museum and Archives located?
The Vancouver Police Museum and Archives is located at 240 East Cordova Street at the crossroads of Gastown and Chinatown.
How much is admission to the Vancouver Police Museum?
The admission to the Vancouver Police Museum costs $13.50 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $10 for children aged 6-8, or $35 for families (2 adults + 2 children).
When is the Vancouver Police Museum open?
The Vancouver Police Museum is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Tuesday to Saturday. The museum is closed on Monday and Sunday.
Still Looking to Visit the Vancouver Police Museum?
If you have any further inquiries, whether they pertain to the Vancouver Police Museum or any other Vancouver-related topic, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below or through the Vancouver Planner Facebook Page.
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