Galt Museum and Archives
Welcome to the Galt Museum & Archives/Akaisamitohkanao’pa, the regional museum for Southern Alberta. Home to over 17,000 artifacts and more than one million archival documents and photographs, the museum showcases the human history of the area and features a multitude of new and travelling exhibits throughout the year. The largest museum in Alberta south of Calgary, the Galt Museum & Archives/ Akaisamitohkanao’pa is committed to reflecting the world around us and deepening the sense of belonging for our communities.
History
The Galt Museum & Archives/Akaisamitohkanao’pa is the result of many dedicated people who have helped bring Southern Alberta’s history to life. With roots dating back as far as the 1880s, the museum has had many homes in and around Lethbridge but finally opened as the Galt Museum & Archives in its current location in 2006. In 2022, the museum received the Blackfoot name Akaisamitohkanao’pa, meaning “eternal gathering place”. Today, the museum welcomes tens of thousands of visitors per year and has received numerous awards for its excellence in programming and curation.
Getting There
The Galt Museum & Archives/Akaisamitohkanao’pa is located at 502 1 Street S in Lethbridge, a short walk or drive west of downtown. The parking lot is located at the end of the cul-de-sac, just to the north of the building. There are also numerous bus routes that can take you to the museum.
When to Go
The Galt Museum & Archives/Akaisamitohkanao’pa is open year-round, with the exception of New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
What’s There
There’s a lot to see at the Galt Museum & Archives/Akaisamitohkanao’pa, including Discovery Hall, a 5,000-square-foot exhibit centre, as well as the 2,500-square-foot Galt Education Centre. Outdoors, you’ll find numerous walking trails and interpretive signage, including two gardens created in partnership with community groups: The Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society and the Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Association. The South Garden is made possible by additional community support. There is also a museum gift shop featuring unique and meaningful local items.
Smudging kits and sensory kits are both available from the front desk.
Things to Do
There’s plenty to keep you busy at the museum! Enjoy Discovery Hall, where you’ll find the permanent exhibit "Exploring Southwestern Alberta" as well as frequently changing temporary exhibits. Exhibits change every few months, so there’s always something new for you to discover; all of the exhibits are researched, developed, and built primarily by the museum’s in-house staff in collaboration with other local organizations, historians, experts, and artists.
Make sure to explore the outdoor grounds, where gardens boast over 40 species of native plants, wildflowers, and grasses. There’s also a rotating schedule of workshops and events at the museum for all ages, with many workshops centred around the Blackfoot culture and language.
Contact
Website: https://www.galtmuseum.com/
Email: info@galtmuseum.com
Phone: 403-320-3954