History Takes Centre Court, by Trish Hagen
Text excerpted from Winter 2004 issue of Lethbridge living Magazine 
available on newsstands November 30

Despite its temporary closure due to renovations and expansion, the Galt Museum has landed in the right space at the right time thanks to a blossoming relationship with administration at Park Place Mall, Oxford Properties.

"We're incorporating the museum's collection of toys from Christmases past into the mall's traditional Christmas look," says Cliff Stoakley, Marketing Manager. "There will be a showcase of about sixty toys in big drums set behind Plexiglas. Three drums will anchor the Santa display. I think people of all ages will get a kick out of this and it will keep the museum out there in the public."

"Sharing our Centre Court for the good of the community is part of the Park Place mandate," Cliff says. The idea to house museum displays came from the mall's General Manager, Darrel Babb. "He didn't want the museum to lose touch with the public," says Cliff.

While shoppers enjoy a blend of shopping and history, they will also discover the Galt's gift shop tucked around the corner from Centre Court. Inventory includes works by local artists and authors, unique jewelry, toys and other unusual gift items.

The Galt Museum is undergoing a 13,627 square foot expansion plus renovations to the existing 27,243 square feet for a cost of $8.9 million. It will reopen in December 2005.