Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Come Visit Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, Alberta!

Visit the Whyte Museum and experience our exhibitions, events, heritage homes, archives, library and museum shop. The Whyte Museum inspires discovery and wonder when people and the Rocky Mountains meet.

Share in the story of our founders, Peter Whyte and Catharine (Robb) Whyte, who were local artists and philanthropists. Peter and Catharine wished to offer a place where people could gather and appreciate the culture and beauty of the area. The Whyte Museum’s programming is made possible through generous support from the Museum’s patrons, members, donors and sponsors.

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:

Archives & Library
The Whyte Museum’s Archives & 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. In-person or online, Archives & Library visitors can Research the Collection, Order Photographs, and Explore the Digital Vault.

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 1800’s to the present day and includes regionally created and related works by Canadian and international artists. Learn more here about our Art Collection and through our listing of current and upcoming Exhibitions.

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. Learn more here about our Heritage Collection.

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. Explore our Heritage Homes online, or come and enjoy a walk through the Museum Grounds. Heritage Homes Tours are also available.