Sharing a passion of history and art

Here at the Red Deer Museum + Art gallery (MAG), we are passionate about art and history. We are committed to creating memorable experiences for our visitors in order to help them understand the people, history and culture of Central Alberta. We want to engage families in learning together about our community – and the rest of the world. Our aim is to reflect the beauty, the complexity and the rich diversity of Red Deer and the surrounding area.

We have a rich and varied collection, supported by fascinating research. We now have the opportunity to tell the stories of the artifacts in the collection in creative ways that will involve visitors of all ages in a journey of discovery. From time to time, we will bring exhibitions from other museums to Red Deer in order to share our delight and curiosity about the art, culture and history of the rest of the world.

Vision

To inspire passion for history and art in our community.

Mission

To deliver an outstanding museum experience that explores the continuous transformation of Red Deer and Central Alberta, by:

• Building a powerful and relevant collection of Central Alberta-based artefacts;
• Researching and presenting innovative exhibitions;
• Delivering engaging programs;
• Responding to our community’s interests, needs and wishes.

Mandate

• To be Central Alberta’s leading establishment for the research, collection and presentation of visual art and material culture that is related to this region.
• To promote knowledge and enjoyment of the art, culture and history of Central Alberta.
• To be a vibrant and inclusive gathering place for our community.

Core Values

As a public museum that serves the members of diverse and dynamic community, we value:

• Ethical and credible research;

• Proper stewardship of the art, artefacts and documents in our collection;

• Inclusivity and cultural sensitivity;

• Constructive dialogue and debate;

• Empowerment

• Teamwork and cooperation – within the museum, and with individuals and groups outside of the museum organization;

• Continuous consultation with all of our stakeholders;

• Fun;

• Humour

Museum History

The Red Deer & District Museum began in 1973, marking the City of Red Deer’s 60th anniversary. The Museum expanded into its present quarters in 1978, and transferred ownership of the building to the City of Red Deer. In 1983, an addition provided the Atrium, Stewart Room, two galleries, a second reserve storage room and enlargement of the Archives. Subsequently, in 1993 – 1994, an additional storage area was constructed for the ever-expanding museum and archives collections.

The Museum collection consists of more than 90,000 objects, and includes one of the finest collections of clothing and textiles in Western Canada as well as an extensive collection of First Nations and Inuit art. The Library houses reference and artifact books, catalogues, and other print material.

The Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery is a permanent institution in the service of Society and of its development which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for purposes of study, education and enjoyment, material evidence of people and their environment. The Museum presents an on-going series of temporary exhibitions and interpretive programs in the fine and decorative arts, sciences, and humanities.