Demand for programs at the Galt - located in Lethbridge, a thriving city of 78,000+ in southern Alberta, one of Canada's fastest growing regions– had outgrown the existing facility. To meet this demand, the Galt has created new, expanded and refreshed spaces to tell the unique and culturally diverse stories of the people of the region, augment programs and services, and develop new opportunities for more people to connect with the past more often...Connecting with people from previous generations– sharing their lives, dreams, disappointments and hopes– helps us understand ourselves and shapes and enriches our communities. Knowing and appreciating the past provides context for what we have achieved and prepares us for the future.

ARCHITECTURE

Consistent with the doctrine of the Venice Charter, the expansion sensitively contrasts with the original building in a light steel and glass construction and is intended to complement rather than alter the surrounding coulee environment.  The concrete, glass and monochromatic metal detail seek to mirror the changing colours of the coulee and sky outside.  The High Level Bridge is referenced by metal siding and structural cross bracing and the horizontal character of the structure reflects the low lines of the prairies.  The extensive glass work facilitates frequent opportunity for the visitor to look upon and remain connected with the outside environment while inside the museum materials will be kept natural and refined so as not to compete with the natural majesty of the setting beyond.

PROJECT BUDGET

The overall project budget for the Galt Expansion project is $9.25 million of which $8.9 million is being raised for capital costs, exhibitry, equipment and furnishings, with the additional $350,000 to support the operational costs of Galt Education Centre during its three-year start-up.  The Growing Our Legacy Campaign has raised $6.3 million in government support from the City of Lethbridge ($3.125 million), the Government of Canada ($1.9 million), and the Province of Alberta ($1.45 million), and received tremendous support from corporations, foundations, special interest groups and individuals.

GROWING OUR LEGACY

The $8.9 million Growing Our Legacy expansion project is the first major cultural expansion in Lethbridge in over twenty years, and has been undertaken in response to the needs of our residents and visitors.

The new Galt Museum presents an outstanding atmosphere in the Discovery Hall, a 5000 square foot exhibit centre where the high-calibre, interactive permanent exhibit Exploring Southwestern Alberta is complimented by frequently changing temporary exhibits designed both in-house and by leading North American institutions. Here, past and present are intertwined to present the stories of southern Alberta’s people.

Collections and Archives facilities, resources, academic and personal research opportunities have also been enhanced.

Museum Store space has been increased, allowing for a wide-ranging selection that continues the stories presented in the Discovery Hall, and providing revenue to sustain learning and programming objectives.

The Viewing Gallery/Event Hall offers an important "history in the making"event location for groups of up to 250– facility bookings have already exceeded expectations [see facility rental].

The Galt shares strong links with the educational communities in southern Alberta. The new 2,500 square foot Galt Education Centre confirms the museum’s reputation as an establishment of learning in its own right.  Housed on the main floor of the historic Galt Hospital building, this dynamic space is home to two new spaces.

The Community Savings Learning Studio, a multi-use educational room where life-long learning opportunities – lectures, film screenings, hands-on classes and events – are presented to children, youth, adults and seniors.

The Lethbridge Iron Works Classroom – a dedicated classroom space for visiting school and community groups, which will provide space for the innovative Museum School in the near future.

The Education Centre is projected to annually serve over 10,000 regional elementary and secondary students alone. Corporate learning facilities with access to a wide range of technology are also available to small and large southern Alberta businesses.

Volunteerism is promoted with the provision of a dedicated centre, and the Galt will be actively marketed as a regional museum promoting the natural and cultural heritage of southern Alberta in order to generate and sustain economic advantages for the overall region.

Expansion

Architecture
Discovery Hall
Education Centre
Collections & Archives
Viewing Gallery
Museum Store

Project Budget

Growing Our Legacy

Q & A