About The Gallery

Established in 1976, the Walter Phillips Gallery bears the name of a distinguished printmaker and painter who, from the 1930s to the 1950s, played a seminal role in the development of the visual arts program in The Banff School of Fine Arts. It quickly evolved into a small but dynamic gallery and became known for a contemporary art program that championed curatorial innovation with a commitment to emerging forms of art including video and performance.

For contemporary artists, particularly those engaged in alternative forms of practice, the WPG remains an essential and principle site where art is presented to an audience for critical reception. In an effort to ensure a broad and balanced representation of the different areas of research at the Centre, the Gallery exhibits and collects: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography and new media-based works. The Gallery's substantial collection of video art is housed in the Paul D. Fleck Library at The Banff Centre and is available for public viewing.

The Walter Phillips Gallery operates under the jurisdiction of the Visual Arts Department at The Banff Centre.

Hours

Year Round
Wednesday through Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Thursday, 12:30 to 9 p.m.
Closed in between exhibitions for installation purposes and on public holidays.

Admission

Admission to the Gallery is free and donations are welcome.

Tours

Group tours of exhibitions may be arranged. Please call 403.762.6281 for additional information or to arrange an appointment.

Location

The Walter Phillips Gallery is located at the Banff Centre in the heart of Banff National Park, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Centre overlooks the Banff town site from Tunnel Mountain Drive. The Gallery is located on the ground floor of Glyde Hall and is wheelchair accessible.