As of 5 p.m. today, the Vancouver Art Gallery has closed its doors for the foreseeable future.

In a statement just now, the facility said it was "our responsibility to help slow the spread and impact of COVID-19 across our communities".

The closure extends to all exhibitions, programs, events, rentals, 1931 Gallery Bistro, the Gallery Store, and Art Rental and Sales.

The Art Auction Gala scheduled for May 30 has also been postponed.

The gallery has only recently opened Shuvinai Ashoona: Mapping Worlds and lineages and land bases presents more than 80 artworks from the VAG's permanent collection.