Glenbow Art and History MuseumGlenbow
Description
Glenbow Museum is a place of confluence. A meeting point for people and communities to join a flow of ideas, knowledge, opinions, and experiences. Their exceptional collection of art and historical objects represents the people and ideas that have shaped the region. That collection is complemented and contextualized by traveling exhibitions that explore historical and contemporary art, fashion, design, and innovation from around the world.
It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Alberta and its people. Through its diverse collection and commitment to education, Glenbow invites visitors to connect with the past, understand the present, and envision the future.
Glenbow's Collection: A Window to the Past and Present
Glenbow's remarkable collection boasts over 33,000 works of art, making it the largest public art collection in Western Canada. With a focus on Canadian artists, the museum showcases a spectrum of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, and drawings. Over 800 works by Canadian artists have been exhibited since 2013, underlining Glenbow's commitment to promoting and preserving Canadian artistic endeavors.
Indigenous Cultures: A Tapestry of Diversity
At the heart of Glenbow's collection lies one of the largest Indigenous collections in Canada. Representing cultures such as Niitsitapi, Tsuut’ina, Cree, Anishinabe, Métis, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, Dene, Iroquois, and Mi’kmaq, the collection serves as a poignant testament to the cultural diversity of Canada's Indigenous Peoples. From the Arctic to the Northwest Coast, Glenbow captures the essence of Indigenous life through a myriad of artifacts and artworks.
Conservation Lab: Preserving the Legacy
Glenbow takes pride in its museum/gallery-based conservation labs, one of the only facilities of its kind in Western Canada. Conservators work diligently to protect and preserve paper, objects, paintings, and sculptures, ensuring that these pieces of history remain stable and safe for public display and research purposes.
Engaging Learning Programs
Despite ongoing renovations at Glenbow's main building, the museum continues to offer engaging learning programs. From virtual programs accessible from anywhere to outreach programs that bring the museum experience to classrooms, Glenbow remains committed to fostering education and inspiration.