Royal Alberta Museum

I visited the Royal Alberta Museum today after someone on the bus mentioned it was Seniors Week — the last day for free entry. I’m glad I went, though the experience stirred mixed feelings. I knew the previous RAM well through my work with Dreamspeakers, and I was once invited to observe the Indigenous artifacts held in their collection (1992). That older space carried a sense of intimacy, community, and lived history that hasn’t fully transferred to the new building. The new RAM is bright, wide, and architecturally impressive, but it also feels somewhat empty. The openness contrasts sharply with the reality outside its doors — the street involved community right down the block creates a contradiction in design and atmosphere. It’s a beautiful space, but it doesn’t yet feel rooted. Still, the exhibits remain thoughtful, and the staff inside the museum were warm and welcoming. I plan to add myself to their events newsletter so I can stay better informed, and I’m even considering inquiring about volunteer opportunities. I feel there’s still a place for me here — perhaps in a new way A worthwhile visit, especially if you haven’t seen the new location, but those who knew the old RAM will feel the shift.

We spent a few hours at the museum before it closed. The first floor of the museum leads you to the history of Alberta. Although this museum exhibit and artifacts are nicely displayed and seems to be of significance, the museum flow was haphazard and didn’t guide you towards a narrative or chronology, which is kind of jarring. The descriptions throughout the museum themselves don’t really dive deep and maybe seems more like it’s geared towards school-age children. Had I just seen this part of the museum, I would’ve disliked the museum overall. The second floor with the natural history section was much better, with fossils and even some live exhibits (like the beautiful, healthy corals and the turtles, though they didn’t seem as happy). I live learning about the animals that roamed the area, including the Edmontosaurus. I was kind of fatigued from all the taxidermied/animal models behind glass cases though. The minerals/gem exhibit was also pretty exquisite and there’s even an interactive section about magnetic stones and meteorites. My favorite is probably the special exhibit on “Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery,” which I think did a wonderful job in portraying different customs revolving around death. I also like the Francophone exhibit, especially the audio exhibit. Overall, I enjoyed the majority of the exhibits and thought the museum was worth visiting.

The last I visited this museum in 2011, it wasn’t moved to downtown yet. I believe that old building had a better feeling. The modern building is very clean, toilets are great, with water fountains for your bottles, has easy elevator access. The human history part was not organized in great order. We had trouble deciding which way to go and you end up randomly jumping towards sections, which doesn’t give you a chronological feel. The parts for the First Nations People were great. I remember a very detailed bug and butterfly collection in the old building. Now there weren’t any butterflies. The museum shop is great. Lots to buy and the prices are fine. It’s a shame that the museum and the shop close so early even on a weekend.

You have to see this amazing museum when in Edmonton. We were fortunate enough that our hotel was just a 5 minute walk away. The natural history floor is absolutely stunning, so be prepared to be totally amazed. The displays are magnificent so make certain you allow plenty of time to take it all in. This is definitely NOT just another museum. It would be the best we have ever experienced in many countries we have visited. Put it on your "to-do" list when you visit Edmonton.

Took my husband's Dad here for Father's Day. We thoroughly enjoyed it and learned some new things along the way! I'm only giving it a 4 star rating because I wish more of the interactive stations worked, many were not working. Other than that, it was a great way to spend the day!