In the heart of downtown Vancouver, surrounded by towering buildings and bustling sidewalks is the Vancouver Art Gallery, where you might just find David Steiner.
David has worked in and around downtown Vancouver for over 30 years and has proudly been a staff member at the Vancouver Art Gallery for 22 years. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the gallery or a longtime member, chances are he’s one of the first people you’ll encounter. When asked about the Gallery, David says, “I’m so lucky. I count many artists as friends; people recognize me anywhere and ask where’s my bow tie or my glasses.” He also shares that the Gallery is fortunate to “have an amazing collection of artworks by British Columbian and Canadian artists, including the most comprehensive collection of works by Emily Carr. We should be proud of the talent that is here.”
Housed in a grand neo-classical building on Hornby Street, the Vancouver Art Gallery is much more than a place to view art. In addition to its rotating exhibitions and remarkable permanent collection, the Gallery offers creative programming for all-ages, including family workshops, guided tours, lectures, and special events like the ever-popular Art Party. This October, the Vancouver Art Gallery will be presenting Enemy Alien: Tamio Wakayama, the first major retrospective of the late Japanese Canadian photographer Tamio Wakayama (1941–2018). The exhibition is both a celebration of an extraordinary documentary photographer and a powerful reminder of the histories that continue to shape Vancouver today.
When it comes to downtown Vancouver, David says it has “a vibrancy that’s contagious,“ speaking to the energy and excitement that define the city’s core. He’s especially excited about the 2026 World Cup, which is expected to flood the Gallery with tourists. One of his favourite seasonal attractions is Canopy, the Downtown Van initiative that brings dazzling lights to Robson Square each winter.
Beyond his role at the Gallery, David is an active and engaged community member. He volunteers as a City Host with Destination Vancouver, assists travellers at YVR as a Green Coat, and serves as the Newsletter Editor for the Vancouver Opera Guild, a testament to both his love of the arts and his commitment to giving back.
The Vancouver Art Gallery, located at 750 Hornby Street, is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Tuesdays. From $5 a month or $58 annually, visitors can enjoy unlimited admission to all exhibitions with a Gallery Access Pass. Visitors under 18 enjoy free admission every day.
The next time you find yourself at the Vancouver Art Gallery, be sure to keep an eye out for David at the membership desk and don’t forget to say hello!
