Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

Tourism Region: Canadian Rockies

Journey into the extraordinary heritage of the Indians of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum.
Experience a time when native people followed the great buffalo herds, moving their camp seasonally, hauling their teepees and equipment by travois. Return to the days when the horse first arrived on the Plains, and when Europeans found a culture rich in elaborate ceremonies, dances, songs, and legends associated with the spirit world and the cycles of nature.
From richly ornamented costumes to a beautifully decorated teepee, from colourful quillwork to hunting equipment, the museum displays a wealth of native arts and daily life. It is a cultural display that celebrates the richness, diversity, continuity and, above all, the resilience of the native peoples of this area.

About the Collections

The Luxton Museum houses a collection of Plains First Nations cultural history artifacts. They include elaborate pieces of quillwork, beadwork, clothing & textiles and many items of pre and post-European contact, such as pipes, weaponry, ceremonial and trade items. The museum's collection also contains North American natural history specimans and a collection of historical and contemporary fine arts. Much of the museum's collection is exhibited in "living picture" displays, depicting the many aspects of daily life of the Plains people.

Approximate number of objects in the collections: 1000

Decorative Arts

The museum houses a collection of love flutes, hide and textile costumes, pottery and painted and beaded textiles.

Ceramics, Porcelain or Pottery • Costumes • Musical Instruments • Textiles or Tapestries

Fine Arts

The museum houses a small but sigificant collection of historical and contemporary paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and photography.

Culture:
American • Canadian • Aboriginal or First Nations

Period:
Contemporary • Historical

Media:
Painting • Photography • Prints and Drawings • Sculpture

Human History

The history of the Plains people are brought to life through "living picture" exhibits and artifacts displays, illustrating the many aspects of daily native life.

Ceremonial Objects • Costumes and Accessories • Currency • Household Objects or Domestic Technology • Imaging : Photographs • Industrial Technology and History • Maps, Charts, Plans or Blueprints • Musical Instruments • Toys and Games • Transportation : Non-motorized ground • Weapons

Natural Sciences

Plants and Animals (Biological Collections)
Agricultural or Domestic • Zoology : Vertebrates : Birds (Aves) : Mammals (Mammalia)

Earth Science and Geological Collections
Rocks • Precious Stones (Lapidary)
Other: spear points

Services & Activities

Educational program for schools and public.
Guided public tours available during summer months.

Educational Programs

Curriculum-related educational programs are available for elementary, junior and senior high school classes.
Special tours for seniors groups available.

Demonstrations • School Programs

Visitor Services

The Museum Shop offers visitors a selection of unique gifts from across Canada. Native arts and crafts, publications, distinctive jewelry, posters, cards, and quality reproductions delight visitors of all ages and interests. The shop also offers arts and crafts by contemporary native people reflecting artistic traditons seen in the exhibits.
Guided general interest tours of the exhibits are available to the public.

Guided Tours : English • Parking Facilities : Bus • Gift shop • Special Needs Facilities : Wheelchair access • Washrooms
Other Guided Tours: Arrangements for individuals or groups with special needs can be made.

Food Services

Snack Bar or Vending Machines

Publications and Products

Luxton Museum logo lapel pins, keychains and other souvenir items.
Museum postcards and brochure.

Map

Location

Address:	1 Birch Avenue Banff, Alberta T1L 1A8 See Map
Telephone:	403-762-2388
Fax:	403-762-2803
Mailing Address:	Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum P.O. Box 850, Banff, Alberta T0L 0C0
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