The Canadian Craft Museum (CCM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exhibiting and preserving fine craft, and demonstrating the social relevance of craft for the public. As such, the Museum works to enhance the profile and status of the creative work of makers, increase public appreciation and access to this work, and develop an understanding for the contribution that craft makes to culture and the economy.

The Canadian Craft Museum was founded in 1980 as the Cartwright Street Gallery on Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia, on the belief that fine craftsmanship and design are important in the modern world, and that contemporary and historical craft are a vital component of the visual arts. In 1988 the City of Vancouver, recognizing the ongoing cultural contribution of the Gallery's programming, granted it a 99-year occupancy lease of a new building at Cathedral Place. In 1990 the Cartwright Gallery became the Canadian Craft Museum, a name chosen to reflect its national and international scope. In May 1992 the Museum opened at its present location, an architectural jewel designed by celebrated architect Paul Merrick, in the beautifully landscaped green space of Cathedral Place Courtyard. Enclosed by a colonnade, the Museum and Courtyard offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of a busy city. The Museum Shop, also housed within the building, offers one-of-a-kind fine handcrafted works by some of Canada's leading craft artists, including work by artists in the exhibitions.

As an exhibition venue dedicated exclusively to presenting excellence in craft in all media--glass, wood, clay, metal, fibre and mixed media--the Canadian Craft Museum provides an essential avenue through which Canadian and international craft artists showcase their talent and perspectives. Each year the CCM presents changing major exhibits in the Main Gallery and smaller exhibits in the Mezzanine Gallery. The diverse and innovative Exhibits Program is made up of a combination of in-house exhibits developed and organized by the CCM, and touring exhibits that the Museum hosts. The focus of the Exhibits Program is to present contemporary craft. However, the handmade object has deep roots in human culture and long traditions, which influence contemporary work. Hence the historical context is never far, and is often illustrated with an exhibit of historical craft, or by juxtaposing historical pieces with new work. Together with Education and Public Programming, the exhibitions stimulate public awareness of craft and nurture craft production on many levels. The Museum continues to develop a Permanent Collection of mainly Canadian craft that, over time, will provide a fundamental resource.

The Canadian Craft Museum is a national institution dedicated to exhibiting and preserving fine craft, and demonstrating the social relevance of craft for the public. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p. m., Thursday to 9 p.m., Sunday and holidays noon to 5 p.m., closed o n Tuesdays from September to May. Admission is $ 5 Adults, $3 Students/Seniors, free for children 12 and under. For more information, please phone (604) 687-8266.