I have not been back in ages. I had my graduation ceremony here. I came here to attend a graduation ceremony recently. The inside looks just as nice as I remembered. Except.... it seems a whole lot smaller than what I remembered. The sound effect or surround sound equipment was really nice. At the start of the ceremony, UBC music school had a band playing acoustic music in the background. That was very nice. You can hear each sound very nice and crisp. It is a lovely venue no doubt. They have two tier limited seating balconies. From the look at it, you might be able to sit around 300 people max. read more

See all

I love this venue. It is a modern facility but what I like about it is the 3 level tiered side balconies. This is very similar to the old European set up. I don't think there is another three tiered balcony in Vancouver. The real bonus is the back balcony! It is behind the stage. Wow oh Wow (sounding like Usher)!! I purposely sat in the back once to see that pianist rock star from China, Lang Lang play La Campanella from the Paganini Etudes. He was effing amazing to watch. His fingers blazed on the keyboard and he didn't miss a note. The acoustics are wonderful and I've been here for operas, professional performances, as well as student performances. read more

Updated review! They do credit cards and apple pay now, at the bar :)

Really lovely venue. We came to see the awesome comedian Danny Bhoy. Funny as hell. The box seats are worth it and you get more room than others in the rows! The set up is lovely. Loss of star for the atrocious parking system. You'll wait 30 mins in your car trying to get out the one lane exit. Everyone sitting their idling. I think 8 polar bears must have died in the time we took to get out of there. read more

I've been here twice now for Highschool Grad ceremonies. Both times it was very un-organized. Borderline pandemonium. Everyone was running around trying to get a seat. Unfortunately it was first come first served. No assigned seating. Almost every seat has a good view of the stage. Acoustics are amazing. The Staff needs an attitude adjustment. They are ill informed and quite often contradict each other. Just plain rude and cranky. Not pleasant in the least. read more

Acoustics here are incredible, man! Before this venue, I never knew orchestras could sound so good. I shuddered in awe at the intensity of the orchestra as an ensemble but was luckily also able to distinctly isolate the unique parts, whether it be the different strings, brass, woodwinds, etc. I had the pleasure of hearing the World Doctors Orchestra at this venue in Vancouver as well as in Seattle's Benaroya Hall. To my ears, I think Chan Centre's sound signature is more to my liking except for the fact I thought piano cut through more in the Benaroya performance (in a pleasant way). However, this may very well be due to different positioning for the piano in relation to the orchestra or another unforseen factor, so it is difficult to make an all else equal comparison. Regardless, I recommend Chan Centre as a worthwhile place to enjoy an orchestra concert. Give the place a shot when you're in the area. read more

Chan Centre - Lights! - Performing Arts Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

Wow the acoustics in this room are epic, what a space! I attended an instrumental concert at the Chan Centre last night and had a lovely experience from start to finish. Parking as others are noting is close by, parkade or cheeky pay parking lots (which we didn't) if you care to risk it. Nice staff, large open concept washrooms, diligent pages and chill, warm lighting. If you are looking to really enjoy the acoustics of any performance, this is the location for you! read more

As a UBC Alumni, I have a special place in my heart for the Chan Centre. I use to daydream out the window in the arts building beside it and always think how great it would be to go there instead of being in class. At convocation, the long walkway into the centre was beautiful, and the entire area is surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees ans blooming flowers. The auditorium is vast and the accoustics are great for opera and choral performances. At Christmas time, the annual concert is always sold out. The stage is very spacious as well. The neatest thing is probably the women's washrooms, so cool. All concrete, the grey and glass bathroom is circular with a communal wash area in the middle. Chrome and shiny all over, the lighting is ideal. read more

I get excited at the idea of going to the Chan Centre for a performance. There's something special about walking down the flight of stairs from Crescent Road to the lobby. It's similar to the way church architects make the doors quite small to enhance the effect of the ornate and vaulted ceilings. It gives us commoners the feeling of reaching heaven, I've had tour guides tell me. So I'd liken going to the Chan Centre to this same sense of discovery -- entering the rabbit hole only to discover an entire warren of tunnels, rooms and warm space. The Chan Centre is a beautiful building and welcomes musicians who make beautiful music. And how about the women's washroom! It's worth the visit alone. See it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26614719@N07/2534855068/in/set-72157605327634007/ read more

Well, parking, beautifully decorated and comfortable chairs. Nice staff. Nothing much else to add. It's a good place to watch a performance.

Love the interior design and all the build-in sound engineering work. Fantastic concerts given by UBCSO and UBC Bands regularly.

Beautiful Centre that Chan built for performing arts. A great excuse to get all dressed up and go out on a date. I wonder if Chan has to EVER purchase tickets again. Or does he have a seat only he can sit on it? read more

I've been here a number of times to watch concerts, speakers (Romeo Dallaire, Mohammad Yunus, Dan Savage to name a few), and every time I've had a good experience. The seats are comfortable enough to sleep in (temporarily). The sound is pretty good. And the decor is nice. I think the next time I will be here is when I say adieu to this university as a student! read more

I came here to see the kids I nanny for graduate (yes I am old). First time here. The place is medium in size, clean, however, no real personality. Modern structure. The acoustics are good, staff on the other hand seemed a bit clueless and were of little to no help at all. The staging is basic, almost looks like a convention center than a modest concert hall. Seats are very very comfy with reasonable leg room. read more

Venue ok. Looks beautiful. Seats are pretty tight. I find the staff useless and rude all the times I went. I'm glad I don't have to go here often. read more

I had my graduation here! It's beautiful and expansive. Photos were taken in the rose garden prior too, and after the event. The womens bathrooms are so utterly cool! The seating inside the auditorium is comfortable enough, and the giant screen will display your photo (or anything else for other events) as you walk up. I was sitting in the second row with my graduating class, however the view from the balcony would be much more beautiful as you could get the whole view of the majestic space. read more