Guinness Tower

Mid-century modern buildings & art

Distinctive for its ocean green rectangular enamel panels that alternate with its glass facade, the Guinness Tower was designed by Charles Paine, circa 1967-69, and is one of the city’s finest examples of the International Style.

The 23-story tower is located in downtown Vancouver’s financial district and adjacent to the equally modernist Oceanic Plaza.

Its main lobby boasts a gorgeous mid-century ceramic mural by Spanish-born Quebec artist Jordi Bonet entitled “The Fathomless Richness of the Seabed,” a natural fit for this West Coast modern city.

Adjacent to the tower, at the corner of West Hastings & Thurlow Streets, is another piece of modern art; “Nike,” the Greek Goddess of victory, a contemporary abstract sculpture by Pavlos Angelos Kougiomtzis and a gift from the ancient city of Olympia in honor of Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Olympics.

Chewie’s Steam & Oyster Bar is also located in the Guinness Tower if you’re in the mood for Cajun.