The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) is a civic history museum in Vanier Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, and is Canada’s largest civic museum. It was founded in 1894 and focuses on the history, culture, and evolving identity of Vancouver and its diverse communities. The museum features a range of permanent and temporary exhibits that explore everything from Indigenous histories and pre-colonial life to Vancouver’s urban development and contemporary issues. MOV also offers educational programs, workshops, and public events that encourage connection, learning, and conversation about the city’s past and present.
During the summer of 2024, Kyle Chen partnered with the Museum of Vancouver to display a scale replica of the MOV. The intention of the model was not only to create a beautiful 3D representation, but to highlight the importance of public community spaces such as the MOV. In this model, Kyle intricately designed it to highlight how people interacted with the built and natural environment. From people walking along Vanier Park, to strolling through the many exhibitions the MOV has to offer.
Kyle’s work was then unveiled at the Joyce Walley Centre (MOV) on September 29, 2025. Guests from UBC SALA, City of Vancouver, YVR, VSB, and the MOV participated in this unveiling ceremony. With even local media capturing this special moment. It was a milestone for Kyle and a day to remember.
The model was displayed inside the MOV in their community gallery for half a year! Gaining recognition from the community, Kyle’s display allowed visitors to not only learn from MOV’s exhibitions, but to view the Museum of Vancouver as a place of connectedness.
In essence, the 1:80 scale model of the MOV was built to not only create a delightful display for the public, but to share how our built environments can create places of learning, communication, and meaning.
Date of unveiling: September 29, 2024
Location: Museum of Vancouver
Model medium: Wood, Paper, Moss, Paint, & Plastic
Photos by: Friday Eve Photography (Camilla Topola)
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