Giants Murals (Granville Island Silos) Vancouver
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Giants Murals (Granville Island Silos) Vancouver

4.6
·41 reviews·Vancouver, Canada

Massive, colorful murals by Brazilian artists Os Gemeos transforming industrial silos on Granville Island into a vibrant urban art spectacle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for vibrant colors

CrowdMedium
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Giants Murals (Granville Island Silos) Vancouver

Giants Murals (Granville Island Silos) Vancouver

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for vibrant colors

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Massive, colorful murals by Brazilian artists Os Gemeos transforming industrial silos on Granville Island into a vibrant urban art spectacle.

4.6
(41 reviews)

"Very cool artwork that captured our eyes while walking over the Granville Bridge."

Vertical photo
TIP

Admire from a distance

Close access is limited; enjoy the full scale of the murals from surrounding areas like the Granville Bridge. :camerawithflash:

Combine with island exploration

The murals are part of Granville Island's charm. Explore the market and shops before or after. :shopping_bags:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Giants' Murals

The 'Giants' Murals

Granville Island Silos (Ocean Cement Factory)

Massive, colorful murals by Os Gemeos transforming industrial silos into a vibrant urban art spectacle.

Views from Granville Bridge

Views from Granville Bridge

Granville Bridge

Catch impressive panoramic views of the 'Giants' murals and the city skyline from this iconic bridge.

Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island

A bustling hub of local food vendors, artisan shops, and unique finds, just a short walk from the murals.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Giants Murals

While the vibrant 'Giants' murals on Granville Island's silos are a must-see, direct access for close-up viewing can be tricky. Most visitors admire them from a distance, often while exploring the island or crossing the Granville Bridge. Be prepared for limited close-up opportunities, as it's an active industrial site.

Granville Island's Industrial Art

These massive murals, created by Brazilian artists Os Gemeos, transform industrial silos into a captivating public art display. Located at the Ocean Cement factory, they offer a unique blend of urban art and industrial heritage, making them a distinctive Vancouver sight.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for vibrant colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

There are so many amazing food vendors on Granville Island in Vancouver, it can be impossible to choose! Let me show you some of my personal favorites 🥰❤️ #vancouver #vancouverlife #vancouverfoodie
@nataliereinaaa
28.6K likes • 374.1K views

Admire from a distance

Close access is limited; enjoy the full scale of the murals from surrounding areas like the Granville Bridge. :camerawithflash:

Combine with island exploration

The murals are part of Granville Island's charm. Explore the market and shops before or after. :shopping_bags:

Granville Island is a must visit spot in Vancouver! 🇨🇦 #granvilleisland #vancouverbc #mustvisitplaces #bucketlisttravel
@fuelforthesole
14.9K likes • 550.4K views
A latergram from a Vancouver trip this past summer. Painted by identical twin artists Os Gemeos from Brazil a fun take on these concrete silos.
stevesoelberg
386 likes • 0 views

Best viewed from the bridge

The Granville Bridge offers excellent vantage points for appreciating the art's immense scale. :bridgeatnight:

Industrial art transformation

Appreciate the genius of turning industrial silos into a captivating public art piece. :art:

"Every city needs art and art has to be in the middle of the people" #osgemeos Brazilian artists 🎨 #Giants #grafitti #Vancity 🙌🏻
gabriel_maradona
47 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Admire from a distance

Close access is limited; enjoy the full scale of the murals from surrounding areas like the Granville Bridge. :camerawithflash:

Combine with island exploration

The murals are part of Granville Island's charm. Explore the market and shops before or after. :shopping_bags:

Best viewed from the bridge

The Granville Bridge offers excellent vantage points for appreciating the art's immense scale. :bridgeatnight:

Industrial art transformation

Appreciate the genius of turning industrial silos into a captivating public art piece. :art:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(41 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the 'Giants' murals on Granville Island to be a visually striking and unique public art installation, transforming industrial silos into a colorful spectacle. While direct access to the silos is limited, the art is impressive from a distance, particularly from the Granville Bridge. Many appreciate the creativity of turning an otherwise mundane structure into a vibrant landmark.

"Very cool artwork that captured our eyes while walking over the Granville Bridge. We particularly liked the trucks with the different paint jobs. It is too bad it looked like there was no easy access to get a closer look of the art. Not sure if it was an active work site or not, but there seemed to be a few people inside wearing reflective gear doing some clean up. One guy was hosing the ground, a second guy watching him, and a third guy supervising the earlier two. Efficiency at best."

Frank Biermann

"Created 2014 by Brazilian artists Gustavo and Otavio Pandolf.
Spray paint on concrete (24,000 cans)
Dimensions 70 x 35 feet each silo
It is located on Granville Island at the Oceans cement factory."

Patrick S Callan

"What is an ugly part of granville island, (a concrete works), one will find a beautiful mural, painted on the silos, "the Giants""

V H

What People Like

Vibrant and massive scale
Unique industrial art
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited close-up access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Giants Murals are located on the industrial silos of the Ocean Cement factory on Granville Island. You can reach Granville Island via public transit, car, or the Aquabus ferries. Many visitors admire the murals from the Granville Bridge or while exploring the island itself, as direct access to the silos can be limited. TikTokReddit

There are several paid parking lots on Granville Island. However, parking can be competitive, especially during peak hours. Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. TikTok

You can walk across the Granville Bridge from downtown Vancouver, which offers great views of the murals as you approach Granville Island. The walk is scenic and takes about 20-30 minutes. Instagram

The murals are designed to be viewed from a distance. The Granville Bridge provides excellent vantage points, and you can also see them clearly from various spots on Granville Island. InstagramReddit

Yes, Granville Island is well-served by public transit. Several bus routes stop on or near the island, making it easily accessible from various parts of Vancouver. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Giants Murals are a public art installation and are free to view. You do not need a ticket to see them from the surrounding areas. Instagram

As an outdoor public art installation on an industrial site, the murals can be viewed at any time. However, the best viewing experience is during daylight hours. Instagram

Granville Island itself does not have an admission fee. You can explore the public market, shops, and public art freely. TikTok

Direct access to the silos for very close viewing is generally not permitted as it's an active industrial site. Most visitors appreciate the art from a distance. Reddit

While there aren't specific tours solely for the murals, many walking tours of Granville Island may include information about the public art. Check with local tour operators. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Daylight hours offer the best lighting for capturing the vibrant colors of the murals. Mid-morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and fewer crowds. Instagram

The Granville Bridge offers a fantastic elevated perspective. You can also find good photo opportunities from various points on Granville Island, looking towards the silos. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around industrial sites. It's best to check Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, be mindful of the industrial nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography of any workers. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scale of the murals. A telephoto lens can be helpful for details if you're viewing from a distance. Instagram

🎫 💡 Onsite Experience

Granville Island is a vibrant hub with a public market, artisan shops, theaters, galleries, restaurants, and waterfront walkways. It's a great place to spend several hours. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Granville Island offers a lot for families, including the public market, street performers, a kids market, and plenty of space to explore. TikTok

Yes, Granville Island is renowned for its food scene. The Public Market offers a vast array of food stalls, and there are numerous restaurants and cafes on the island. TikTok

The murals, titled 'The Giants,' were created in 2014 by Brazilian twin artists Os Gemeos for the Vancouver Biennale. They transformed the industrial silos of the Ocean Cement factory. InstagramReddit

While you can't typically walk right up to the silos due to their industrial function, you can get close enough from the surrounding areas on Granville Island to appreciate the intricate details of the artwork. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Granville Island is a fantastic destination for families. Beyond the impressive 'Giants' murals, the island boasts a dedicated Kids Market filled with toys, games, and activities. The public market offers a wide variety of kid-friendly snacks and treats, from donuts to ice cream. TikTok

Exploring the island on foot or via the Aquabus ferries is an adventure in itself. Keep an eye out for street performers who often entertain crowds, adding to the lively and engaging atmosphere. The open spaces and waterfront areas provide room for kids to move around and enjoy the scenery. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The 'Giants' murals offer a unique subject for photographers, blending urban art with industrial architecture. The best light for capturing the vibrant colors is during daylight hours, with mid-morning or late afternoon providing softer, more flattering light. Instagram

Key vantage points include the Granville Bridge, which offers a sweeping overview of the murals and the city skyline, and various spots on Granville Island itself. While close-up access to the silos is restricted, a good wide-angle lens will help capture the immense scale of the artwork from a distance. InstagramReddit

🎨 Art Lovers

The 'Giants' murals are a must-see for any art enthusiast visiting Vancouver. Created by the internationally acclaimed Brazilian duo Os Gemeos, these massive works transform utilitarian industrial silos into a vibrant public art gallery. Instagram+1

Appreciate the scale and detail of the artwork from the surrounding areas of Granville Island and the Granville Bridge. Consider exploring other art galleries and studios on the island to further immerse yourself in Vancouver's creative scene. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Os Gemeos

The 'Giants' murals on Granville Island are the work of renowned Brazilian twin artists Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, known collectively as Os Gemeos. Their distinctive style, characterized by vibrant yellow-skinned characters and a blend of graffiti art with folk influences, has gained international acclaim. For the Granville Island project, they utilized an estimated 24,000 cans of spray paint to cover the massive concrete silos, each measuring approximately 70 by 35 feet. InstagramReddit+1

Their artistic philosophy often emphasizes bringing art into public spaces, making it accessible to everyone. The transformation of these industrial silos into a colossal, whimsical mural is a prime example of this ethos. The 'Giants' not only add a splash of color and creativity to the industrial landscape but also serve as a powerful symbol of urban regeneration and the integration of art into everyday life. Instagram+1

Visitors often remark on the sheer scale and playful nature of the artwork. While direct interaction with the silos is limited, the visual impact from various vantage points on Granville Island and the nearby Granville Bridge is undeniable. The murals have become a significant landmark and a popular spot for photography, drawing attention to the unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary art in Vancouver. InstagramReddit

Granville Island: More Than Just Murals

While the 'Giants' murals are a striking visual attraction, Granville Island itself is a destination brimming with activity and charm. It's a vibrant public market that has been a cornerstone of Vancouver's cultural scene for decades. Here, you can find an incredible array of local produce, artisanal foods, fresh seafood, baked goods, and unique crafts. TikTok+1

The island is also home to a variety of independent shops, art galleries, theaters, and studios. You can browse for handmade jewelry, unique clothing, or discover local art. Street performers often entertain visitors, adding to the lively atmosphere. For families, the dedicated Kids Market offers a fun and engaging space for children. TikTok

Getting to Granville Island is an experience in itself, with the charming Aquabus ferries offering scenic rides across False Creek. The island provides beautiful views of the Vancouver skyline and the surrounding waterways, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a delicious meal, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere. TikTok

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