CHILDREN’S GALLERY
THE ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Edmonton, Alberta, CA
The Children’s Gallery at the new Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) in downtown Edmonton immerses intergenerational families in a learning environment that takes its design inspiration from the geography and natural environments of Alberta. The abstracted landscapes transport children, ages 2-10, on a journey through this western Canadian province and invite them to play and explore at a variety of hands-on stations.
Services
Interpretive Planning
Exhibit Design
Graphic Design
Size
6,000 sf
Awards
2019 – IDA Design Award for Museum Exhibits
Silver; Museum, Exhibits, Pavilions and Exhibitions category
ABSTRACTED ENVIRONMENTS
The exhibit environments echo the varied regions of the province: the Rocky Mountains, the Foothills, the Boreal Forest, the Canadian Shield, and prairie regions. Hands-on interactives within these unique zones include a 25′ tall grain elevator incorporating a ball machine, a paleontological dig site, and weather wall that can be controlled by kids. RAM collections objects are also peppered throughout the gallery, sparking curiosity and enhancing learning connections.
COMMUNITY MAKING
Additional zones within the Children’s Gallery include an early childhood area, community gallery, performance space, and maker space. The “Chautauqua” performance space pays homage to the popular itinerant tent show offering educational and entertainment programs in rural Alberta during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The “Alberta’s Makers” space encourages children to participate in hands-on art and science activities.
Fabrication design by kubik maltbie.
Main photo by Christophe Benard Photograpy.
“Our visitors love the playful and bright Children’s Gallery and are buzzing with excitement from the moment they enter the space. Since opening, our returning audience has taken ownership of this space, where they enjoy playing together and learning new things.
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