Discover Fernie's past and present in the historical setting of one of Fernie's distinctive heritage buildings - the former home bank.
Explore Fernie's colourful past and learn all about what Fernie has to offer for recreation, entertainment, shopping, accommodation, and services.
The ground floor features the 'This Is Our Fernie' permanent exhibition, visitor information services and gift shop.
The Museum Gallery on the 2nd floor features solo and group exhibitions by local, and regional artists, as well as local and touring historical exhibits. Gallery programming aims to promote professionalism and foster appreciation for arts and culture and bring awareness to the museum’s wealth of archival and artifact material.
The facility is fully accessible with level entry, elevator, and washrooms on both floors.
ADMISSION:
Adults: $5
Seniors: $4
Children & Youth: FREE
Groups (10+): $3/pp
IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY:
- Backroads BC - June 7 - September 16, 2018
- The exhibit features 30 new works by Fernie artist Michael Hepher which explore the scenic backroads of British Columbia as seen by the artist and his family during a 2-month summer road trip in 2017 throughout each of the distinct regions of BC in their 1971 Volkswagen van.
- Bent on Art - September 27 - October 14, 2018
- This pop-up exhibit highlights the work of queer and trans/gender non-conforming artists in the Kootenay region while creating educational opportunities, fostering community connection, and promoting resilience through the arts.
- Opening Reception: 7pm, Thursday, September 27, 2018.
- Pride Fuze Party: Friday, October 12, 2018. (As part of the Elk Valley Pride Festival)
- En Pointe - November 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019
- Over a period of 17 years, Gordon Milne has attended company class each week to draw the dancers of Alberta Ballet. This ongoing relationship has inspired a very distinctive feel to his drawings and paintings celebrating movement in dance. The exhibit also celebrates the 50 year history of the illustrious ballet troupe.
- Opening Reception: 7pm, Thursday, November 1, 2018.
- A Night at the Ballet: Saturday, November 3, 2018.
SUMMER TOUR SERIES
- Historical Walking Tours - View & Download PDF of Self-Guided Tour Map
- On the surface, Fernie might seem like any mountain town: beautiful vistas, interesting shops, and over 90 accessible hiking and biking trails. But if you dig a little deeper, you will discover a rich and dramatic history.
Join one of our knowledgeable local guides for a 90-minute walking tour of historic downtown Fernie. Explore the stories of movers and shakers, rumrunners, devastating fires, coal mining disasters and legends of a Ktunaxa curse and discover how these people and events have helped to shape Fernie as we see it today.
Our guides will also share the inside scoop of where to find the right memento, a perfect latte or a great place to eat in our community. We endeavor to make your stay in Fernie, whether long or short, a truly memorable experience.
- Every Saturday & Sunday in July & August
- Tours will take place in all weather conditions.
- Please wear appropriate footwear for walking outside on slightly uneven ground.
- A weatherproof warm jacket and an umbrella are encouraged.
- Tours depart at 11am, 1pm & 3pm (most days) and last approx 90 minutes.
- Tickets $15
HISTORY OF THE FERNIE MUSEUM:
The Fernie District Historical Society was founded in 1964 and is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Fernie by collecting and displaying photographs, artifacts and documents relating to Fernie's development. Homeless for the first 15 years, the Society struck an agreement with the Holy Family Church to use the vacant rectory behind the Church as a museum site.
On August 4, 1979, coinciding with Fernie's Diamond Jubilee, the museum was officially opened. The rectory served as Fernie's museum for twenty years until 1999 when the Church realized that it would soon need the property for its own purposes. Original displays in the museum were designed to showcase life in Fernie in the early part of the twentieth century.
Artists and Curators working in any medium or discipline are eligible to apply. The Museum Gallery is a beautiful space and is also available for meetings, lectures, readings, and social gatherings.
