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Bringing U of A’s Collections to Life

The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is home to Canada’s largest network of academic museums and collections — 30 unique collections ranging from art and paleontology to rare books, textiles, meteorites, and classical antiquities. For decades, these remarkable collections have fuelled teaching, research, and discovery.

Now, with the opening of a new gallery at the Telus Centre in early 2027, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring these treasures into the spotlight, making them more accessible than ever before. Located at the heart of North Campus, the 5,000-square-foot gallery will provide a world-class space to publicly exhibit countless artifacts, creating an innovative hub for education, research, and cultural engagement.

Since the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s foundation, there has always been a dream of a campus museum. The new gallery project finally fulfills that wish. With a central gallery and sustainable funding, these resources can be fully leveraged to inspire learning, advance research, or connect with the broader community. This central gallery will also allow for valuable opportunities to showcase the diverse range of collections on campus, their teaching practices, and research outcomes. Furthermore, the new gallery will offer new kinds of opportunities for students, researchers, and the public that has not been seen before on campus.

This new accessible cultural space will expand the university’s ability to attract top researchers, curators, and collaborators from around the world. It will allow for the potential for innovative cross-disciplinary learning experiences and meaningful public engagement.

Donors have already played a crucial role in building these extraordinary collections — now, they can help ensure their accessibility and impact for generations to come.

Goals and Objectives

• Enhance Learning Experiences: Access to rare artifacts, specimens, and works of art will break down academic boundaries and spark new discoveries across disciplines.
• Advance Global Research: Expanding access to the collections will inspire groundbreaking research and elevate U of A’s global reputation as a centre of excellence.
• Create a Cultural Hub for All: The gallery will bring the university’s collections directly to the community with engaging public programs, welcoming K-12 students for interactive learning experiences, and hosting workshops, lectures, and events that connect campus and community.

Building a Hub for Learning and Culture

The new gallery will be more than a showcase — it will be a living laboratory for discovery and collaboration. By bringing these collections together in one space and creating learning opportunities, the gallery will spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and foster creative connections across disciplines.

A fully funded endowment will be essential in ensuring the success of this vision. It will allow for dynamic programming, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions that inspire students. This gallery will become a vibrant destination where education comes to life.