Vancouver’s PNE Amphitheatre is being refreshed. Scheduled to re-open in 2026, the new Freedom Mobile Arch honours First Nations culture and community.
Freedom Mobile Arch Amphitheatre in Vancouver
The new Freedom Mobile Arch, an open-air amphitheatre at Hastings Park, places Indigenous culture at the centre of the space.
The City of Vancouver and the PNE announced they had commissioned three Indigenous artists from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to create permanent public artworks for the site. The installations serve as both foundational design elements and cultural expressions in the new venue.
An external panel led a competitive process to select each artist. The City of Vancouver is placing the pieces directly into the structure of the amphitheatre. There are sandblasted walkways, glass murals and sculpted walls. In addition, the artworks tell stories while honouring traditions and representing the living presence of the First Nations. The three artists are Sinámkin (Jody Broomfield of the Squamish Nation), Kelly Cannell (Musqueam Nation) and sisters Ocean and Sara Hyland (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
About the Amphitheatre
The Freedom Mobile Arch is an outdoor performance space in the process of being built at Hastings Park in Vancouver. Once completed in 2026, it will serve as a cultural and musical gathering space for artists, audiences and the community.
The amphitheatre is part of the PNE’s commitment to expanding arts infrastructure while recognizing and celebrating the city’s Indigenous heritage.
About the PNE
The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is one of Vancouver’s iconic non-profit organizations. The PNE hosts more than 2 million visitors annually through events like the PNE Fair, Playland Amusement Park, live concerts, sports and many more family-friendly activities. It also oversees park and facility operations year-round.
The PNE uses its revenues to improve public spaces, support community programs, and offer educational activities. This in turn helps grow local culture and provides fun events for people of all ages.
FIFA and the PNE are connected through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the PNE grounds set to become a key tournament venue. The new amphitheatre will be the site of the official FIFA Fan Festival, offering live match screenings, entertainment, and interactive fan experiences between June 11th and July 19th, 2026, the dates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Check out our article Vancouver FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament in 2026 about this international sporting event being co-hosted by Canada.
Freedom Mobile
Freedom Mobile Inc. is a Canadian wireless provider that operates in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. The provider is part of Videotron Ltd. It offers affordable wireless service and focuses on new ideas and keeping customers happy. Moreover, Freedom Mobile and Videotron serve over 3.5 million mobile users in Canada.
Through its partnership with the City of Vancouver and the PNE, Freedom Mobile is contributing to the creation of a new cultural space that shows the diversity, creativity and values of the Vancouver community.
Other Information
See the City of Vancouver‘s website to learn more about the renovations.
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