The Marine Building - Lobby - West
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Marine Building Vancouver

4.6
·260 reviews·Vancouver, Canada

A 1930s Art Deco masterpiece, the Marine Building boasts an opulent lobby with intricate marine motifs and stunning brass elevators.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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The Marine Building - Lobby - West

Marine Building Vancouver

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1930s Art Deco masterpiece, the Marine Building boasts an opulent lobby with intricate marine motifs and stunning brass elevators.

4.6
(260 reviews)

"This building is a masterpiece, the entrance and lobby is wild."

Vertical photo
TIP

Admire the Lobby

The lobby is open to the public during business hours. Don't miss the elevators! 🛗

Look for Details

Seek out the intricate marine carvings and Art Deco motifs throughout the building. ✨

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 260 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Lobby

The Grand Lobby

Ground floor

Step into a world of Art Deco splendor with intricate marine carvings and opulent finishes.

Art Deco Elevators

Art Deco Elevators

Lobby

Marvel at the beautifully preserved brass elevators, a true testament to 1930s craftsmanship.

Marine-Themed Details

Marine-Themed Details

Throughout the building's base

Discover hidden seahorses, oceanic decals, and other exquisite details that tell a story.

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Lobby Access & Hours

The stunning Art Deco lobby is open to the public during business hours on weekdays. While it's primarily an office building, a quick visit to admire the architecture is highly recommended. Check closing times to avoid disappointment.

Architectural Marvel

This 1930s skyscraper is a masterpiece of Art Deco design, featuring intricate marine motifs. Appreciate the detailed craftsmanship, from the elevators to the lobby's opulent finishes. It's a step back in time.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Lobby still accessible
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue is taking care of a cute sea otter pup. #seaotter #marinemammalrescue #vancouver #vancouveraquarium #vancouverbc #otter #ottersoftiktok @Marine Mammal Rescue
@vancouverisawesome
237.3K likes • 1.6M views

Admire the Lobby

The lobby is open to the public during business hours. Don't miss the elevators! 🛗 Reddit

Look for Details

Seek out the intricate marine carvings and Art Deco motifs throughout the building. ✨ Reddit

You can go see Tofino the sea otter pup now in Vancouver. #seaotter #marinemammalrescue #vancouverbc #vancouverisawesome #ottersoftiktok #otter @VA Marine Mammal Rescue @Vancouver Aquarium
@vancouverisawesome
48.3K likes • 389.9K views
Welcome to the Marine Building in Vancouver, B.C. 🌊⚓️ . . . #hauntedvancouver #hauntedcanada #spookvtravels #spooky365 #vancouverbc #marinebuilding
thedarkhourx
0 likes • 1.2K views

Check Basement Shops

A few shops are located in the basement, offering unique finds. :shopping_bags: Reddit

Family-Friendly Restrooms

There's an all-gender, accessible bathroom on the entrance level, great for families. :babychangingstation: Instagram

Off the entrance through Hastings, you can find an all gender and handicap bathroom in the marine building! This bathroom fits a stroller and is very clean, even has liners for the toilet seat and bags for the diaper changing station! #vancouver #familyfriendly
familyfriendlyvancouver
1 likes • 207 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Admire the Lobby

The lobby is open to the public during business hours. Don't miss the elevators! 🛗 Reddit

Look for Details

Seek out the intricate marine carvings and Art Deco motifs throughout the building. ✨ Reddit

Check Basement Shops

A few shops are located in the basement, offering unique finds. :shopping_bags: Reddit

Family-Friendly Restrooms

There's an all-gender, accessible bathroom on the entrance level, great for families. :babychangingstation: Instagram

Historical Context

Learn about its history as Vancouver's tallest building and its architectural significance. 📚 Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(260 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Marine Building for its stunning and exceptionally well-preserved Art Deco architecture, particularly its opulent lobby and intricate marine-themed details. While it's primarily an office building, the accessible lobby offers a free glimpse into a bygone era of exquisite craftsmanship. Some note that access to certain areas or amenities like restrooms might require asking shop owners.

"The Marine Building in Vancouver is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. Built in 1930, it features intricate marine-themed details, beautiful brass elevators, and an opulent lobby. Though it’s primarily used as an office space, the impressive lobby is open to visitors. A must-see for architecture enthusiasts!"

Farnoosh Oa

"Architecturally brilliant. You don't get rhis character from the built environment any more anywhere. This is a beautiful space, so ecstatic that it has been retained in it's original style. The craftsmanship would have to be appreciated by most and surely will be a part of the walking tour that anyone visiting Vancouver must take in. Loved even just walking through the foyer and imagining the history of the era."

Chris Read

"Amazing architectural interior in the Art Deco style. Make sure to check out the 2nd floor for an awesome viewpoint."

Kristina Guerin

What People Like

Stunning Art Deco lobby
Intricate marine details
Beautifully preserved elevators

What People Dislike

Limited public access
Restroom access can be tricky

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Marine Building is centrally located downtown at 355 Burrard Street. It's easily accessible by public transit, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If you're driving, there are several parking garages in the vicinity. 🚌 Reddit

Yes, there are several paid parking garages within a short walking distance of the Marine Building. Street parking can be limited and metered. 🚗 Reddit

Absolutely! If you're exploring downtown Vancouver, the Marine Building is easily walkable from many popular areas like Gastown and Canada Place. 🚶 Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Marine Building's lobby is free and open to the public during business hours. 🎟️ Reddit

The lobby is typically open during standard business hours on weekdays, usually from around 8 AM to 5 PM. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit as it's an active office building. 🕐 Reddit

The top floors are private office spaces and not generally accessible to the public. However, the lobby and second-floor mezzanine offer fantastic views and architectural details. :camerawithflash: Reddit

Yes, the building has accessible entrances and elevators. There's also a family-friendly, all-gender accessible washroom on the entrance level. ♿ Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History

The Marine Building is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, with significant influences from the Pacific Northwest style and traditional Northwest lodge aesthetics. 🎨 InstagramReddit

The Marine Building was completed in 1930, and at the time of its opening, it was the tallest building in the British Empire. 📅 Instagram

Originally built to house maritime businesses, it's renowned for its intricate marine-themed ornamentation and was a symbol of Vancouver's prosperity in the early 20th century. 🚢 Reddit

Some visitors and former employees have reported feeling an 'airy presence' on the underground floors, though stories suggest any spirits are friendly. 👻 Instagram

Yes, its iconic Art Deco design has made it a popular filming location. It famously served as the Daily Planet building in 'Smallville' and was used for elevator scenes in 'Altered Carbon'. 🎥 Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the grand lobby, the ornate elevators, and any visible marine-themed details. The second-floor mezzanine also offers a good vantage point. 📷 Reddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted in the public areas of the lobby for personal use. Be respectful of the office environment. :iphone: Reddit

The building's exterior is also impressive. Look for reflections in the modern buildings nearby, which can create unique photographic compositions. :reflection: Reddit

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