Marine Building
Marine Building
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Central
How to get there
- Burrard • 4 min walk
- Waterfront • 6 min walk
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Restaurants
2,749 within 3 miles
Attractions
502 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
477 reviews
Excellent
320
Very good
131
Average
21
Poor
0
Terrible
5
Veronika C
23 contributions
May 2023
This building was one of the points of interest for us on our recent trip to Canada (early May 2023). Unfortunately, although the offices located in the building are open and functioning, the building itself and its wonderful interiors are obscured under the scaffolding and cover sheets. Disappointed.
Written May 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NormsWife
Annapolis Royal, Canada49 contributions
Jan 2020
An Art Deco gem. I had no idea such an architectural beauty could be found in Vancouver. Go inside the lobby to see some glorious Art Deco metalwork, tiles, stained glass and more. The dumbwaiter with the octopus motif was my favourite.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kateryna_to
Toronto, Canada445 contributions
Jan 2022
Located near the Waterfront Station this is a stunning piece of architecture. You can go in to look around and take the elevator to the 2nd floor for an overhead view. There is a really nice restaurant in the building as well, called Nightingale, entrance from around the corner.
Written January 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NancyInVancouver
Vancouver, Canada43 contributions
Aug 2022
This building is so beautiful inside - the stained glass, the art deco architecture. It's always so pleasing to see something of this calibre saved from the wrecking ball, in cities where there are so many modern high rises. You must stop in and admire it !!
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nico H
Southampton, UK117 contributions
Aug 2022
Standing outside the entrance to this building is impressive. But it doesn't prepare you for stepping inside. Painstakingly beautiful art deco interior, right down to the smallest detail.
Take a lift to the balcony above for a different perspective. Even the lift is a feast for the eyes.
One of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been to
Take a lift to the balcony above for a different perspective. Even the lift is a feast for the eyes.
One of the most beautiful buildings I have ever been to
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty Bielicki
Stuart, FL14,526 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
In 1930 the Marine Building was the tallest structure in the British Empire. Located on 355 Burrad Street in downtown Vancouver close to the Financial District and not far from Canada Place, you can actually miss this place among the other high rise structures.
At 321 feet tall and 22 floors, it is still an impressive “Art Deco” designed building. There was once an observatory that one could view the surrounding city for twenty-five cents. People really could not afford the price during the Great Depression and that floor was closed.
Walk around the building and see the unique relief artwork. I love the picture of the flying “zeppelin.” Overall, though, a nautical theme is paramount to the design.
You can go inside the large foyer and enjoy the unique craftsmanship there. Besides the marble and polished steel is the use of twelve unique hardwoods to British Columbia. This building is quite impressive if you have time to explore, well worth a visit.
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At 321 feet tall and 22 floors, it is still an impressive “Art Deco” designed building. There was once an observatory that one could view the surrounding city for twenty-five cents. People really could not afford the price during the Great Depression and that floor was closed.
Walk around the building and see the unique relief artwork. I love the picture of the flying “zeppelin.” Overall, though, a nautical theme is paramount to the design.
You can go inside the large foyer and enjoy the unique craftsmanship there. Besides the marble and polished steel is the use of twelve unique hardwoods to British Columbia. This building is quite impressive if you have time to explore, well worth a visit.
If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
Written March 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise W
kelowna88 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
This building is a rare opportunity to go back in time and see an piece of art deco. The outside is charming with the wooden revolving doors, the grand entrance way and the pieces of art carved into the outside of the walls. Take a moment to look at the carvings on the brass surrounding the door - seahorses. Look at the columns going up the side of seashells, the ship above and in between the two revolving wood and brass doors. There are airships, old planes, and all manner of art on the outside. What you see from the front door of the sun with geese flying is a beautiful stained glass window inside, with an old clock. Now inside you are in for a treat... star signs on the flooring, old brass beautifully engraved elevator doors, inlaid wood inside the elevators, old lights showing the floor that the elevator is on, a vinage post box to the left of the elevators and two old wood telephone booths across the hall. If that was not enough, the ceiling is amazing. It looks to be made of wood and painted beautifully. The sconces on the wall below the ceiling and attached to the upper brass balcony are all the boughs of ships. I cannot describe this well enough to say just how amazing a piece of art this building is and dread to think of how much it would cost today. Finally, there is usually a guide in the lobby who will tell you more about the building and of the ghost seen in the basement by many people! This building is a DO NOT MISS and bring a camera!
Written January 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcus D
Atlanta609 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
This is the height of Art Deco. Completed in 1930, it was then the highest building within the British Empire. I spent a lot of time walking both inside and the outside. It would be great for kids to find unique exterior motifs such as biplanes, blimps, and sailing ships. Art Deco design just screams at you in delight with wood, brass, tile decors including an art deco mailbox! Make sure to step into the elevators to enjoy the intricate inlays. And from the lobby floor, look up at the bows of ships that seem to sail on air. As you can tell, I loved this place. And if Art Deco isn’t for you, well perhaps this building will change your mind. And best yet, in an expensive city like Vancouver, this is free!
Written March 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada13,903 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
While visiting Vancouver, I was on a bit of a “check out some local sights” kick and thus, after reviewing TripAdvisor, ended up at the Marine Building. I was totally unprepared for what I was about to see. As I made my way to the building (just a short walk from the Burrard Skytrain station), I was expecting to see some art deco, yes (a major buzz word), and to take a few moments to admire the architecture and history; however, what I got was so much more than the opportunity to view an old stylish building. Instead, from the moment I walked under the main entrance arch, I found myself transported through time – a portal in which Vancouver’s rich maritime history is articulated and told through art.
Indeed, the Marine Building as art and history is probably one of the better ways to understand and appreciate what so many have called an “art deco masterpiece.” Opened in 1930 and standing at a height of 321 feet, this architectural marvel was the tallest skyscraper in Vancouver and the British Empire at the time – until 1929. According to the building’s architects, it was built as a kind of monument to the city’s maritime history: the entrance arch features Captain Vancouver’s ship sailing out of a sunrise, surrounded by West Coast flora and fauna, tinted green like the sea. The interior lobby, likewise, is rich with history. The ceiling and walls are rich with maritime history while the lobby floor is inlaid with the signs of the zodiac. The stained glass windows high above allows natural light to filter in. Indeed, it’s easy to get “lost” in the beauty of this space. I spent probably a good 45 minutes here admiring the art deco in all of its splendor . . . and waiting for the hordes of Chinese tourists to clear out!
Admittedly, as I wandered throughout the lobby and made my way to the second floor viewing area, I couldn’t help but liken the overall structure to that of the Empire State Building – at least as far as the art deco goes, what with its flair and high level of ornamentation (which proved quite costly at the height of the Great Depression). The symbolism of the Marine Building is tough to miss: progress and, more specifically, progress for the city of Vancouver. The detail found both externally and internally speaks as much: Ship to Zeppelin to Railway. Thus, there is much more to the building than first meets the eye.
[A random aside: The elevators, in a way, remind me of The Shining . . . and, yes, I know those elevators are red, but still!]
I should note, by way of conclusion, that the Marine Building is still very much an active office building, so please do mind the workers on the upper levels. In a way, the fact that this architectural masterpiece is still an active workplace adds to its rich history. Upon its construction some 87 years ago, this building was meant to reflect Vancouver’s importance as a transportation hub of rail and sea. In the modern day, it reflects what the city has become: Corporate. A city of glass.
Indeed, the Marine Building as art and history is probably one of the better ways to understand and appreciate what so many have called an “art deco masterpiece.” Opened in 1930 and standing at a height of 321 feet, this architectural marvel was the tallest skyscraper in Vancouver and the British Empire at the time – until 1929. According to the building’s architects, it was built as a kind of monument to the city’s maritime history: the entrance arch features Captain Vancouver’s ship sailing out of a sunrise, surrounded by West Coast flora and fauna, tinted green like the sea. The interior lobby, likewise, is rich with history. The ceiling and walls are rich with maritime history while the lobby floor is inlaid with the signs of the zodiac. The stained glass windows high above allows natural light to filter in. Indeed, it’s easy to get “lost” in the beauty of this space. I spent probably a good 45 minutes here admiring the art deco in all of its splendor . . . and waiting for the hordes of Chinese tourists to clear out!
Admittedly, as I wandered throughout the lobby and made my way to the second floor viewing area, I couldn’t help but liken the overall structure to that of the Empire State Building – at least as far as the art deco goes, what with its flair and high level of ornamentation (which proved quite costly at the height of the Great Depression). The symbolism of the Marine Building is tough to miss: progress and, more specifically, progress for the city of Vancouver. The detail found both externally and internally speaks as much: Ship to Zeppelin to Railway. Thus, there is much more to the building than first meets the eye.
[A random aside: The elevators, in a way, remind me of The Shining . . . and, yes, I know those elevators are red, but still!]
I should note, by way of conclusion, that the Marine Building is still very much an active office building, so please do mind the workers on the upper levels. In a way, the fact that this architectural masterpiece is still an active workplace adds to its rich history. Upon its construction some 87 years ago, this building was meant to reflect Vancouver’s importance as a transportation hub of rail and sea. In the modern day, it reflects what the city has become: Corporate. A city of glass.
Written April 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nlgenxer
South San Francisco, CA200 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
This was the highlight of our free tour of downtown with the Tour Guys (guides work for tips).
The building is gorgeous, especially on the inside. The level of detail is astounding. It's probably the best example of art deco architecture I've ever seen. Our guide had us take the elevator to the 2nd floor, to get a closer look at the plasterwork ceiling and also the inlaid wood in the elevator (created from all the 12 different types of hardwood in British Columbia).
The history is also fascinating, which is why I'd recommend the tour.
The building is gorgeous, especially on the inside. The level of detail is astounding. It's probably the best example of art deco architecture I've ever seen. Our guide had us take the elevator to the 2nd floor, to get a closer look at the plasterwork ceiling and also the inlaid wood in the elevator (created from all the 12 different types of hardwood in British Columbia).
The history is also fascinating, which is why I'd recommend the tour.
Written January 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robertaklassen
Abbotsford, British Columbia1 contribution
How many stories does the Marine building have?
Ann-Shirley G
Vancouver, Canada196 contributions
I would guess around 20
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Frequently Asked Questions about Marine Building
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Marine Building:
- Stanley Park & Downtown Vancouver Bike Tour - Morning (From $66.32)
- Vancouver Scavenger Hunt: Downtown Delights (From $12.31)
- Vancouver City Highlights Explorer Private Tour (From $378.23)
- Vancouver Old Town: Outdoor Escape Game (From $7.04)
- Discover Stanley Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour (From $5.19)
- Hotels near Marine Building:
- (0.05 mi) Fairmont Pacific Rim
- (0.11 mi) Auberge Vancouver Hotel
- (0.15 mi) Executive Hotel Le Soleil
- (0.16 mi) EXchange Hotel Vancouver
- (0.14 mi) Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel
- Restaurants near Marine Building:
- (0.01 mi) Brass Fish Tavern
- (0.02 mi) Nightingale
- (0.03 mi) Giovane Caffé
- (0.03 mi) JJ Beans Coffee Roaster Marine Building
- (0.04 mi) Tractor Downtown