The Marine Building: Vancouver’s Art Deco Crown Jewel
If buildings could wear tuxedos, the Marine Building would show up in full tails with a pocket watch and a dramatic entrance. Often hailed as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the world, this glittering monolith has been turning heads in downtown Vancouver since it opened in 1930. Its ornate details, nautical motifs, and sheer cinematic flair make it feel more like the backdrop of a classic film than a functioning office building.
Located at 355 Burrard Street, the Marine Building is more than just a pretty face—it’s a heritage landmark, a piece of history, and a quietly glamorous fixture of the city’s skyline. From the outside, it rises like an elegant wave of stone and brass. But it’s what’s inside that really steals the show. Step through the front doors and you’ll find yourself in a lobby dripping with polished brass, gold leaf, and oceanic imagery, where every inch seems to whisper that buildings were once allowed to be beautiful just for the sake of it.
A History Carved in Stone and Style
The Marine Building was completed during the tail end of the Roaring Twenties, just before the Great Depression crashed the party. Its developers had dreams of a grand skyscraper “rising from the sea,” and they succeeded in building a 21-storey tribute to the romance of ocean travel, complete with seahorses, sea snails, ships, and waves sculpted into its exterior and lobby design. As Wikipedia details, it was the tallest building in the British Empire at the time of its completion—an ambitious feat for a city still carving out its architectural identity.
The structure cost $2.3 million to build (a staggering sum for the time), but when the Depression hit, it sold for a fraction of that. Despite its rocky financial beginnings, the Marine Building has stood the test of time as one of Vancouver’s most treasured landmarks, both functionally and aesthetically.
What to Look For When You Visit
Entering the Marine Building is like walking into a meticulously imagined fantasy from the 1930s. The lobby is a marvel: elevator doors engraved with sea creatures, walls paneled in richly coloured materials, and ceilings covered in delicate geometric flourishes. It feels like a time capsule that just happens to contain working offices and a café or two.
According to Forbidden Vancouver, even the building’s elevators—rare survivors from the era—are among the most photogenic in the city. Although the upper floors are not open to the public, the lobby alone is worth the visit, especially for fans of architecture, photography, or simply being wowed by craftsmanship. You can learn more and see leasing details via the official Oxford Properties page.
Fun Fact:
Movie buffs might recognize the Marine Building as the stand-in for the Daily Planet in the Superman films. It’s also appeared in numerous other productions thanks to its vintage charm and moody grandeur. Just try walking through the front doors without feeling like you should be delivering a breaking news story or heading up to a rooftop showdown.
A Photographer’s Dream
Don’t forget your camera. The building’s intricate façade and glowing lobby have become Instagram darlings, offering detail shots that feel straight out of a travel magazine. Phyl On The Go offers a great visual tour if you’d like a preview. Even if you’re just snapping pics with your phone, you’ll find yourself slowing down to appreciate the light, the angles, and the tiny hidden surprises embedded in the design.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting, and don’t be shy about taking a moment to sit in the lobby and soak it all in. It’s a rare treat to find such architectural elegance open to the public—and even rarer to find it so lovingly preserved.
From Timeless Architecture to Indie Screens
After exploring the Marine Building and filling your phone with enough architectural photos to start your own Art Deco fan page, why not shift from historic to eclectic with a visit to the Rio Theatre? This East Van institution offers independent films, live comedy, and a wildly fun atmosphere—a perfect contrast to the stately calm of the Marine Building.
Body Maintenance for the Urban Explorer
Touring downtown’s architectural gems is fun—until your feet remind you they’ve been marching across city blocks and marble lobbies for hours. When the steps start to add up, it might be time to treat your body as well as you’ve treated your curiosity. In BC’s Vancouver, you’ll find expert support for everything from posture correction to mobility enhancement.
Whether you’re aching from stairs, long walks, or simply too much neck-craning while admiring vaulted ceilings, Symmetry Injury Rehabilitation Ltd. is just a short trip away—ready to help you feel as polished and put-together as the building you just toured.