Whyte Museum in Banff, Canada
Canadian Rockies Art, History and Archives in Famous Mountain Resort
In the mountain town of Banff, Canada, the wheelchair accessible Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies depicts the art, history and culture of the mountains.
Banff is a Picturesque Mountain Town
The alpine community of Banff, Alberta, Canada is one of Canada's most famous vacation spots. Postcard images of Mount Rundle and the renowned Banff Springs Hotel have attracted visitors since the late 1880s. One way to enjoy the mountain culture is to visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.
The Story of Peter and Catharine Whyte
Catharine Robb was a young socialite and Peter Whyte an outdoor-loving man with a strong artistic talent when they met in 1927 as art students at the Boston Museum School of Fine Art. During their studies, they fell in love and were married in 1930. Catharine was enchanted by Peter's stories of the Rockies and was very happy to return with him to his home in Banff to live.
The story of their romance and their life together is told in one of the galleries of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, established in 1968, two years after Peter died. Their history provides a unique view of Banff life through much of the twentieth century. One dramatic painting is of the town bonfire in Banff to mark the end of the Second World War. Long-time residents say that everyone in town piled up whatever they could spare to burn that night. Peter Whyte captured the glow of the orange and red against the clear black mountain night.
Peter and Catharine were friendly with the Stoneys, the First Nations people whose home is now between Calgary and Canmore. A number of beautiful traditional native garments show the traditional handiwork of the Stoney people.
Temporary Galleries Feature A Combination of Art and Mountain Culture
The Whyte Museum's collection policy for works of art requires a connection to the Banff area, and is meant to reflect Rocky Mountain art and culture, as well as the development of the visual arts in the region.
The current exhibitions (to March 31, 2008) are
- "Les Graff: Landscape as Metaphor: A Retrospective", featuring paintings and drawings by Alberta artist Les Graff
- "Everest 82: The First Canadian Expedition", Pat Morrow's photo essay of one of the landmark events in Canadian mountain climbing history
- "Secret No Longer: Mary Schaffer's Jasper, 1908 and 1911", images from a remarkable woman who photographed some of Canada's mountain places before the coming of roads and railroad forever changed their character
- "Peter and Catharine Whyte: Their Story".
Wheelchair Ramp and Access to Galleries
From the outside, the Whyte Museum is accessible by stairs or ramp. The indoor corridors and galleries have plenty of room to move about. One gallery (currently showing the "Mary Schaffer's Jasper" exhibition) is down two flights of stairs. There is an elevator available.
The main washrooms are downstairs, but there is a wheelchair accessible washroom on the main floor.
The Museum and shop are open from 10 to 5 daily except Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is $6.00 per adult, $3.50 for seniors and students, $15 for family of 4, and free for children 6 and under.
More About Accessible Travel and Things To Do In and Around Banff
- Rimrock Hotel in Banff, Canada - One of Banff's luxury hotels. Splendid views. Wheelchair-accessible showers in the pool and hot tub area.
- Altitude Facts - Banff - Tips and information about dealing with higher altitudes, from a Rocky Mountain tour operator.
- Discounted Skiing in the Rockies - Information on saving money with the Canadian Rockies Louise Card.
