DISCOVERY HALL - Main Permanent Exhibition Space

Discovery Hall is the museum’s central permanent gallery, presenting a broad, interconnected look at the history and development of Southern Alberta. Visitors can move through themes such as dryland farming and irrigation, the deep-rooted relationship between the Nitistapii and the land, and the growth of communities shaped by industry and immigration.

The space includes immersive and interpretive experiences like the Chinese Bow Won Tong building, coal mining in Sikóóhkotok (Lethbridge), and the stories of groups such as the Doukhobors, Japanese Canadians, and prisoners of war.

Experience the history of local cultural icons such as the High-Level Bridge, Lethbridge’s first Airfield, Kenyon Field, the history of the Lethbridge Herald, and the historic neon signage that lined the city streets mid-century. Discovery Hall also offers opportunities for reflection and learning through spaces like the Kainai Arbour, where storytelling and connections to native plants are centered.

Designed for self-guided exploration, the gallery supports a wide range of ages and interests, inviting visitors to engage with the many layers of the region’s past and present.