Reynolds-Alberta Museum and Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame

The Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, “Celebrates the Spirit of the Machine” and interprets the impact of technological change in transportation, aviation, agriculture and industry from the 1890s to the 1970s.

The museum features an outstanding and significant artifact collection. More than 100 major pieces are displayed in museum’s Great Hall and Main Display Gallery. The collection also includes more than 350 vehicles, 86 vintage aircraft, 1,000 pieces of agricultural equipment, and a growing number of industrial machines, both static and operating. This study-collection boasts many unusual, rare and one-of-a-kind pieces. The museum tells the stories of how these machines impacted the lives both ordinary and extraordinary people.

The museum’s vision is To be recognized as the leading interactive museum of mechanization.

To move the museum toward its vision, it offers visitors hands-on displays, audio-visual shows, artifact demonstrations, interpreter-led programs and special events throughout the year. In summer, the hiss of a steam tractor, the roar of an airplane, and the purr of a vintage sedan bring to life the spirit and speed of change on the prairies. Visitors can ride in a vintage automobile or thrill to the excitement of flying in an open-cockpit vintage biplane.

The museum’s award-winning Resource Centre boasts more than 3,000 publications and 25,000 trade literature items including repair manuals and dealer catalogues.

The Reynolds-Alberta Museum operates a state-of-the-art Vehicle Restoration Shop and Conservation Lab. Visitors can observe restoration and conservation projects in progress.

Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame is an on-site partner and pays tribute to the men and women who pioneered and advance aviation in Canada. Biographical panels, records and flight memorabilia, together with vintage aircraft presented in the Aviation Display Hangar, make this one of the most significant aeronautical exhibits in Canada.

Audiences range from special interest groups such as car and aviation enthusiasts to families and seniors who select the museum experience as a way to spend their free time. Approximately 84% of visitors are from Alberta and through internet outreach, we are building a larger audience of international “off-site’ visitors. The museum also provides curriculum-based educational programs to 1,000s of school students each year.

The museum has an experienced, talented and innovative core of 17 government staff supported by contract staff through the Friends of the Reynolds-Alberta Museum Society. Other valued support from the Friends Society includes fund-raising, gift shop and food service operation. A strong volunteer core contributes more than 15,000 hours annually.

The 205 acre museum site includes a 120-seat Blacktop Diner, agricultural demonstration fields, Test Track, and 110,000 square foot warehouse.

The Reynolds-Alberta Museum opened in 1992 and is a project of the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Recreation, and Culture with support from Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation.