The Vancouver Art Gallery has named Formline Architecture + Urbanism and KPMB Architects as the architectural team to lead the next phase of design for its new purpose-built home at Larwill Park, located at 181 West Georgia Street.

Selected from proposals submitted by 14 leading Canadian firms, this decision marks an important milestone in the Gallery’s renewed vision to create a destination for art and culture that reflects the diversity of its audiences. This is the beginning of a collaborative process toward a new conceptual design in 2026, one shaped by listening, dialogue and the perspectives of the communities the gallery serves. This is the largest cultural infrastructure project in Vancouver in more than 30 years.

“The selection of Formline + KPMB to envision the new Gallery is a bold and topical statement supporting Canadian innovation and excellence,” says Jon Stovell, chair of the Gallery Association board. “KPMB Architects brings a proven track record for creating elegant, world-class museums that centre art and community, while B.C.–based Formline Architecture + Urbanism leads with an Indigenous design vision that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.”

Together, Formline + KPMB promise a new Vancouver Art Gallery that is both a local cultural beacon and an international architectural landmark, blending Indigenous and global knowledge to reflect Vancouver’s vibrant, inclusive spirit.

“It’s an honour to collaborate with Alfred Waugh and Formline to help shape the future of an institution that holds such profound cultural and civic significance for Vancouver and British Columbia—places that express a diversity of world views all at once,” said Bruce Kuwabara, a founding partner at KPMB Architects.

The original Herzog & de Meuron design was shelved due to ballooning construction costs and the institution issued an RFP to 14 Canadian architecture firms earlier this year for a new building design.