Grande Prairie, Alta.- April 23, 2026) The Grande Prairie Museum has partnered with the Boreal Wetland Centre, Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie (AGGP), Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre and the South Peace Regional Archives to celebrate International Museums Day (IMD) on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Each participating location will offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
Highlights of the day include:
- Free shuttle service between locations.
- Special exhibits and hands-on activities.
- Event passport with two Museum prize baskets valued at $300 each, for randomly selected winners.
- Free cookies at select locations, while supplies last.
“We are excited to host the eighth annual International Museums Day with our community partners. Our museums play an important role in connecting our community through stories, culture and shared experiences,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “International Museums Day reminds us of the power these spaces have to unite people, and I invite everyone to take part in the celebrations across our local museums.”
“International Museums Day was created by the International Council of Museums, who work with UNESCO to promote museums worldwide,” said Charles Taws, Curator of the Grande Prairie Museum. “This day is a time to celebrate all our Museums, and this year’s theme is ‘Museums in a Divided World’. The Grande Prairie Museum is pleased to be partnering with other local historical institutions to help make this a memorable day for everyone.”
“We are thrilled to be part of International Museums Day,” said Linden Roberts, Executive Director of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. “This event gives everyone in our region the opportunity to explore paleontology and have fun learning about our unique, ancient natural history right here at home.”
"With so many amazing organizations working to share the history of our region, we are thrilled to celebrate them all together for International Museums Day,” said Ellyn Vandekerkhove, Executive Director of the South Peace Regional Archives. “Visit the South Peace Regional Archives and other community partners to explore some of the amazing stories that have built our community."
“This year, we celebrate the power of Museums to bring people together through shared history, service and remembrance,” said Renee Charbonneau, Collections Manager at Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre. “At Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre, we preserve regional military history, honour those who served and create space for people to learn from one another through stories that reflect the many experiences that shaped our region.”
"International Museums Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight how community spaces, such as the Boreal Wetland Centre, can bring people together to tackle complex challenges," said Kylie McLeod, Head Conservation Programs at National Boreal Program, Ducks Unlimited Canada. "As a hub for outdoor education, visitors of all ages can learn about Alberta's wetlands, resource management and ongoing research in the region.
“The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie is happy to continue participating in International Museums Day during our closure,” said Garry Bradley, AGGP. “You can find us providing art activities inspired by the travelling exhibition Athletic Aesthetics in the Grande Prairie Museums Community Room.”
Exhibits and Activities
Each participating location offers unique exhibits and activities for the community to enjoy during International Museums Day:
The Grande Prairie Museum
The Grande Prairie Museum features a new exhibit on the history of movie theatres in Grande Prairie. It is also the first day the Heritage Village is open to the public for the 2026 season. The Heritage Village showcases 15 local historic structures. Children’s activities will be available in the village, and light refreshments available in the community room.
- Boreal Wetland Centre
The Boreal Wetland Centre invites visitors to explore scenic trails, join guided tours, and discover the unique biodiversity of local wetlands in its open-air Museum. Visitors are reminded to bring weather-appropriate clothing and footwear for unpaved walking trails. - Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museums
Enjoy galleries, fossil-themed activities, and interactive learning opportunities that bring the region’s ancient past to life. - Art Gallery of Grande Prairie
Participate in drop-in art activities inspired by the travelling exhibition Athletic Aesthetics, hosted in the Grande Prairie Museums Community Room. All materials are provided. - Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre
Explore exhibitions that highlight regional military history and stories of service, remembrance and community. - South Peace Regional Archives
Explore the history of our community at the South Peace Regional Archives with hands-on heritage activities and a peek behind the scenes of heritage preservation.
Full event details are available at cityofgp.com/IMD2026.
Background
International Museums Day is an annual event organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The day raises awareness of the important role Museums play in cultural exchange, education and community connection. The 2026 theme, Museums Uniting a Divided World, emphasizes the power of Museums to foster dialogue, understanding and shared experiences across communities.