From Our Collections


Through research & collection, the Whyte Museum seeks to make the human and natural history of the Canadian Rocky Mountains accessible and meaningful to all audiences. Research & collection enables the Museum to support scholarship of the Canadian Rockies.The Whyte Museum's outstanding collections include the categories below:   


V190/II/A/xiii/12

Archives & Library

The Whyte Museum's Archives and Library was established in 1966 to serve the unique mountain regions of Western Canada. The Archives & Library endeavors to make its collections widely accessible and welcomes diverse audiences with varied research interests.



WyC.01.431


Art Collection 

The Whyte Museum's art collection embodies the artistic spirit and vision of our founders Peter and Catharine. Our art collection spans the early 1880's to the present day and includes regionally created and related works by Canadian and international artists.


Gloves, Drum & Necklaces


Heritage Collection

The Heritage Collection began with the vision of Peter and Catharine Whyte. The collection includes artifacts that help tell the stories of Aboriginal people, artists, immigrants, guides and outfitters, climbers, surveyors, hikers, explorers, adventurers, skiers and residents of the town and area.



Whyte Residence

Heritage Homes

The Heritage Homes form a unique and distinct part of the Whyte Museum's Heritage Collection. They are aimed at preserving significant examples of Banff's earlier architectural styles and homes associated with some of the area's more noteworthy residents.



  
Here on the Peaks & People blog we will share some of the stories behind the artifacts, discussing the historical significance and artistic properties of the objects. Discover the stories by clicking the links below or selecting them under Blog Topics > From Our Collections in the top right pop-out menu. 

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Banff Sanitarium Hotel: Mineral Springs, Monkeys, and Medicine

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In Castle Mountain's Shadow: The Story of Silver City

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Bill Peyto Rocky Mountain Guide and Outfitter

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E.W. "Bill" Peyto, 1902, Fear Brothers, Photographer, Bill Peyto fonds, (NA66-465), Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies  "I've guided all kinds of people into the mountains. At first they are hesitant, maybe with a healthy fear of bears or other animals. Some get frustrated just trying to get out of town, and for some it's all those things that Tom mentions, but once they are well outfitted and in the real wilderness they seem to open up like a high alpine meadow," – Bill Peyto The story of Bill Peyto is just one of the many stories in the new Gateway to the Rockies exhibition being developed by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.  We want your input and feedback on this permanent (ten year life) exhibition that we are planning to open at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in the spring of 2012. Tell us what you think of this and the other concepts and stories featured here. Let us know how you think we could make this exhibit...
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