Written by: Tourism Nanaimo

Looking to connect with Nanaimo’s art scene? We’ve got you covered… well, not us exactly. The Nanaimo Art Gallery has you covered. And if you haven’t been yet, consider this your official nudge.

Located on Commercial Street in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, the gallery is one of those places that always has something new going on. With rotating contemporary exhibitions and thoughtful programming throughout the year, it’s a space that invites you to slow down, look closer, and maybe see the world a little differently. Whether you’re an art lover or a casual wanderer, it’s easy to spend an afternoon getting lost in the creativity.

The current exhibition, running until March 22, Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown,《陽光下的褪色：關於華埠的觀點》, explores the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns through a blend of archival photography and contemporary art. Beginning in the 1860s, Nanaimo was home to four successive Chinatowns, each shaping the city’s early development before the third was destroyed by fire in 1960, a moment that profoundly impacted the community. Featuring works that document these spaces alongside modern responses in textile, painting, and video, the exhibition reflects on memory, loss, and how we connect with these sites today.

Beyond the exhibitions, the Nanaimo Art Gallery keeps things lively with year-round workshops, classes, artist talks, and guided tours. From hands-on creative sessions to deeper dives into the stories behind the art, there’s always an opportunity to learn something new or try something different.

Perfect for a mid-week culture break, a weekend wander, or an easy downtown date idea, the gallery is a must-stop on any Nanaimo itinerary. Thoughtful, inspiring, and always worth a visit.