Catching Culture

Not only is our February calendar brimming with the Games, ceremonies and street parties, but lots of super-sized cultural events are making a big splash in Vancouver’s rain puddles while the world is watching. 

Here are our picks to help your family enjoy the flurry of culture headed our way.

In two weeks, the rock musical Monkey King will make its North American premiere in Vancouver. Leaping into the theatrical world in Beijing in 2008, this international mega hit will be the only show to have debuted at two consecutive Olympics. Befitting of the sports sweeping our town, this action-packed, acrobatic performance is not your typical musical. Monkey King tells the 500-year-old story of one of China’s legendary superheroes who is amazingly strong, can fly and regularly battles demons and dragons. Amid on-stage fiery explosions and smoky scenes, the Monkey King ventures on a battle-filled quest to recover a book of sacred teachings. Between kung fu action and high energy rock music, your little monkeys will be entranced. For a sneak peek into Monkey King’s fascinating creatures and mesmerizing costumes (and to help little ones acquaint themselves with the tale), catch the Costume Exhibit at the Aberdeen Centre in Richmond from January 18 to 24.

If your budding scientist is complaining about the Russian invasion at Science World during the Games, a trip to the Museum of Vancouver for the Ravishing Beasts Exhibit should do the trick. At this exhibit, more than 110 different species of animals are on display for the first time in decades. Depending on the age of your youngsters, the outing can be an engaging lesson in the science of taxidermy or it can simply be a chance to stare down a real tiger, only inches away. Prime your crowd with talk of the creatures they’ll see, like a giant moose, a white rhino, a majestic lion and a well-dressed gopher. If you plan to visit more than the MOV while at Vanier Park, pick up an Explore Pass to save on admission.

A well-timed stroller nap or the promise of a skate at Robson Square should buy you enough time for a must-see art exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery. In the spirit of athleticism, the VAG is paying artistic tribute to the Olympics with Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man. On loan from the Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II, the exhibit features all of da Vinci’s anatomical drawings, never shown in their entirety before, and some examples of his fascinating cryptic mirror-image script. Not to be overlooked, the VAG will also be featuring a massive two-floor presentation of the best of British Columbia’s landscape and urban art. And as if we needed persuading, admission to the VAG is free between February 12 and 28.

So enjoy our cultural hot-bed and find your ‘art-felt’ moment during the Olympics.

Comments