UP HIGH: THE HEALING ADVENTURES OF PHOTOGRAPHER ROBERT LEMERMEYER

JUNE 7, 2024 – DECEMBER 22, 2024

For 25 years, Robert Lemermeyer roamed the world as a travel and architectural photographer. After experiencing burn-out, alcoholism, and depression, he was urged by his son Yuri to turn his lens, and his attention, closer to home and towards the Rocky Mountains. Since 2017, Robert and Yuri have ascended 130 mountains together of which a selection are featured in UP HIGH. Not every journey has been easy, nor has the weather always cooperated. Robert’s relationship with Yuri has grown, and these mountains have provided the healing he needed to rebuild his connection with his son, to this landscape, and to life.

SURVIVAL IN PARADISE: COAL MINING IN CANMORE

ONGOING

Canmore’s coal mining heritage is integral to the history of this place. This exhibition shares the evolution of mining in this area, and the communities that grew up around it. Based on a book published by the Canmore Museum and authored by Walter J. Riva of the same name, Survival in Paradise features objects from the museum’s collection combined with community storytelling. Experience the labyrinth of underground mines beneath the Town of Canmore with the aid of virtual reality, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the No. 2 mine as it would have been. Stories by veteran Canmore miners Ed Latvala and Ernie Lakusta provide first hand knowledge and experiences of working in the coal mines.

MOUNTAIN KIDS: GROWING UP IN CANMORE

Opening February 2025

Growing Up in Canmore invites you to step into the world of childhood in Canmore, exploring how growing up here has evolved (and stayed the same) over generations. Through captivating historic photographs and treasured objects from the museum’s collection, this exhibit brings to life the stories of youth in the Bow Valley.

COMING SOON – CANMORE COAL MINER PORTRAITS AND STORIES

This digital exhibition will feature over 40 portraits of the hard-working people who lived and worked in Canmore, captured by photographer Lawrence Chrismas after the mine closed in 1979 after nearly a century of operations. Chrismas’ collection of stories and photographs, many of which are part of the Canmore Museum’s collection, provide an intimate look at life in this “single-industry town” during a time of transition.

SOIL SUPERHEROES

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 – MAY 20, 2024

Soil Superheroes introduced visitors to the league of superheroes who live beneath our feet that make life on earth possible, and the scientists above ground who study them. From earthworms to decomposing humus, soil provides humans with food and medicine, cleans the water we drink, and helps us to navigate a changing climate. Developed by the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, this interactive exhibition designed to engage with youth and adults alike, illuminated the difference between healthy and unhealthy soil, how human activity impacts natural processes and how we benefit from them. This travelling exhibit is on loan from Ingenium | Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.