The Nickle Galleries opened at its new signature location on the main floor of the Taylor Family Digital Library in October 2012. The new site provides the more than 13,000 library visitors a day the opportunity to explore the Galleries' exhibitions and programs - free of charge. Formerly known as The Nickle Arts Museum, the Nickle Galleries features three impressive galleries highlighting the best of contemporary art in western Canada and intriguing art and artifacts drawn from the Nickle and the Library's wide-ranging collections.
The Nickle was founded in 1979 with a generous donation by Mr. Samuel C. Nickle, matched by a grant from The Province of Alberta and supported by donations from several founding patrons. Since its opening in 1979, the Nickle has championed contemporary art, rugs, and numismatics in western Canada.
Since September of 1996, the Nickle has also been the coordinators and focal point of the Minor program in Museum and Heritage Studies. This is a minor programme providing students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the Cultural and Heritage sector.
We work with the other departments and faculties at the University of Calgary, the community in general, and specifically the art, rug, and numismatic communities to promote learning, research and discovery.
