QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Why does the Galt museum need an expansion?
The previously existing Galt Museum no longer complied with the tight environmental controls considered necessary to house artifacts, archives or exhibit spaces, and outgrew its programming space with the steady increase in visitors over the past five years. The expansion has rectified the situation by making available 5,000 square feet of environmentally controlled space. The new exhibit galleries are constructed with maximum flexibility in mind and feature clear spans and sufficient height for a variety of exhibits. The original Hospital building is used for meetings, school visits and administrative functions. The artifact collection and archives have been moved to the lower level beneath the expansion where the archives reference room can be accessed by the public.
How will the expansion design affect the building’s original architecture and look?
The Sir Alexander Galt Hospital is designated an Alberta Historic Resource and has not had its civic front and sides modified in any way; the expansion extends into the coulee behind the original Galt Hospital building. Thus, the front remains unchanged and provides striking contrast to the steel and glass of the expansion. The Galt’s new entrance and parking area for both buses and cars is now on the north side of the Hospital building and the front area will be re-instated as a formal garden.
How will the Galt expansion benefit the community?
In its role as a regional museum, the Galt’s primary objective is to highlight aspects of social and cultural history and to offer space for traveling exhibits. Accessing the state-of-the-art classrooms will augment educational opportunities for visitors. The Galt will be also be better equipped to make space available for both indoor and outdoor events. The outstanding exhibit and event space on the coulee edge offers a magnificent 120-degree view extending from the High Level Bridge to The University of Lethbridge Main Hall and beyond. The expansion will attract more visitors to the region and create major economic benefits throughout the community.
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