About Us | Audain Art Museum

"It's About the Art" - Michael Audain

The Audain Art Museum is a leading visual arts organization located in Whistler, BC. Founded by philanthropists Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa, to house many of the British Columbia works from their private collection, the Museum opened its doors in 2016. Today, the AAM holds a comprehensive Permanent Collection of the province’s most celebrated artists, alongside rotating Special Exhibitions from around the world. All are displayed in a stunning 56,000-square-foot building designed by award-winning firm Patkau Architects.

From historical masterpieces to contemporary works, the Permanent Collection celebrates the diverse artistic heritage of British Columbia. Spanning centuries of creativity, it reflects the province’s ever-evolving identity through carving, painting, photography, and more. Highlights include hereditary Haida Chief James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), an exceptional collection of Indigenous masks, the largest permanent display of paintings by Emily Carr, and key works from Vancouver’s photo-conceptualism movement.

James Hart, The Three Watchmen, c. 2021, bronze with red ocher patina. Audain Art Museum Collection. Funded by the Audain Foundation. Photo: Scott Brammer.

A Shared Vision

Founders Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa envisioned a space where people of all ages and backgrounds could experience an outstanding boutique collection of British Columbia’s visual art—a place for contemplation, connection, and the appreciation of art making in our region of the world. Today, that vision is carried forward through the dedication of the Museum’s Founders, Trustees, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Steven Shearer, Guitar #5 (detail), 2002-2003, archival ink on photo paper, 184.9 x 291.9cm. Audain Art Museum Collection. Gift of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa.
Installation view of the Permanent Collection. Photo: Darby Magill.

Our Journey

A look at the key moments that have shaped the Audain Art Museum.

September, 2012

Vancouver home builder and philanthropist Michael Audain visits Whistler and selects a site at the invitation of James Moodie.

December, 2012

Michael Audain announces he has entered into an agreement with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) to build a 2,323 square meter (25,000 square foot) museum to house a portion of his British Columbia art collection. Later that year it was determined that the Audain Art Museum would house the Audain’s (Michael and Yoshiko’s) British Columbia art collection.

April, 2013

Michael Audain announces plans expand the art museum to 5,203 square meters (56,000 square feet).

August, 2013

Construction begins on site.

March, 2016

The Audain Art Museum opens to the public.

September, 2018

The inaugural ceremonial dance of master carver and hereditary Haida Chief James Hart’s The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) takes place in the Museum's Chrystal Gallery.

July, 2019

The Audain Art Museum’s Category A status is confirmed by the Department of Canadian Heritage. The Museum meets international standards for HVAC (humidity and temperature control) and security systems for the care and protection of artworks.

September, 2019

The Audain Prize is presented in partnership with the Audain Art Museum, marking the beginning of an ongoing annual collaboration.

September, 2019

Emily Carr: Fresh Seeing – French Modernism and the West Coast produced by the Audain Art Museum opens and then travels to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

November, 2020

RESEVOIR by Rebecca Belmore produced by the Audain Art Museum opens.

April, 2022

Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob produced by the Audain Art Museum opens and then travels to the Glenbow Museum, McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

June, 2023

Manabu Ikeda: Flowers from the Wreckage produced by the Audain Art Museum opens and then travels to Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.

November, 2024

CURVE! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast produced by the Audain Art Museum opens and then travels to the National Gallery of Canada.

October, 2025

7IDANsuu James Hart: A Monumental Practice book produced by the Audain Art Museum and Figure 1 Publishing launches at the Audain Art Museum, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art and Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Llnagaay.

March, 2026

The Audain Art Museum celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

June, 2026

Takao Tanabe 100: Inside Passage produced by the Audain Art Museum opens and then travels to National Gallery of Canada and Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Art, Place, & Community

Dr. Yosef Wosk offers insights into works from his private collection featured in Special Exhibition *Into The Wosk Collection: Discovery & Wonder*, February 14, 2026. Photo: Oisin McHugh.

The Art of Wellness Dinner at the Audain Art Museum, June 20, 2025. Photo: Nina LaFlamme.

Kiriko Watanabe, Gail & Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chief Curator and hereditary Haida Chief James Hart in front of his work *The Dance Screen (The Scream Too)*, 2010-2013, red cedar panel with abalone, mica, acrylic, wire and yew wood, 323.1 x 478.9 x 35.7 cm. Audain Art Museum Collection. Gift of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa.

Manabu Ikeda working at his Open Studio during Special Exhibition *Manabu Ikeda: Flowers From The Wreckage*, June 24 - October 3, 2023. Photo: Michael Levin.

Dale Marie Campbell discusses her work at the opening of Special Exhibition *Curve! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast*, November 22, 2024.

Art For All

The Audain Art Museum is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment. As a cultural institution rooted in displaying the artistic legacy of British Columbia—spanning Indigenous, historical, and contemporary perspectives—we strive to ensure that our collections, programs, workplace, and public spaces are accessible, welcoming, and equitable for all.

We respectfully acknowledge that the Museum is located on the unceded, shared territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation, and we honour their enduring relationship with this land.

(From left to right) Leslie Anthony, hereditary Haida Chief James Hart, Gwaliga Hart and Dr. Curtis Collins, Executive Director during In Conversation with Master Carver James Hart at the Book Launch for *7IDANsuu James Hart: A Monumental Practice*. Photo: Oisin McHugh.

Beyond the Galleries

At the Audain Art Museum, we believe in the power of art to reflect diverse perspectives, spark dialogue, connect people, and inspire deeper understanding and empathy across cultures and communities. Through educational programs, community events, and partnerships with cultural organisations, we bring art—and the stories behind it—to life for thousands of visitors each year.

Join Our Community

Join a community of art lovers and help the Audain Art Museum thrive. Your contribution supports exhibitions, education and the preservation of British Columbia’s artistic legacy.

Become A Member

Experience the Museum year-round and help sustain the arts in British Columbia. Members enjoy unlimited gallery access, exclusive events, preferred discounts, and more.

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Make A Donation

It’s about the art. Your donation plays a vital role in the Museum’s success, from Special Exhibitions to the Permanent Collection.

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