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Gallery in the Park Altona Manitoba's Hidden Gem


The Gallery in the Park is a hidden gem in the Town of  Altona, Manitoba and is well worth a visit.
Sculpture Gardens waterfall
 I took a day trip to  Altona, Manitoba   to see the Sunflower Festival held between the 27th and 29th of August, and ended up, by pure chance, in the Gallery in the Park. The Gallery in the Park is adjacent to theAltona Centennial park which is where I thought I was headed.

Gallery in the Park 

A stately white colonial house  stood close to the entrance of the park in all its majesty. Beyond the house I caught a glimpse of waterfalls and sculptures amidst a glorious landscape.I decided to leave the outside for last and enter the building through a closed door.

I was greeted by a friendly young man and proceeded to view the first exhibit by Artist Don McMaster. A  truly wonderful exhibit which chronicles the life of David Thompson who was a Canadian explorer and map maker. McMaster tells the story of McDonald on canvas using the actual diary entries of the explorer.

Cliff Derksen Sculpture

On the second floor of the building there was a touching exhibit by Cliff Derksen who is the father of Candace Derksen. For those who don’t know, Candace Derksen was brutally murdered at age 13 and over two decades ago and it was only in the last couple years that her killer was brought to justice with the help of DNA testing. The entire exhibit tells the story of this tragedy  with vivid images in drawings and sculptures. Other featured art works in the beautifully restored heritage house, were by local artists in a variety of medium.

Sculpture Gardens exhibit

Outside, the sculpture garden is a place of serenity and awe.  The works of local artists and the famous Leo Moll are featured. The grounds are expertly manicured, beautifully landscaped with rippling and cascading water features. 

The Gallery in the Park was the brainchild of the Friesen Corporation in 2005 and opened its doors in 2008 with the help of numerous volunteers, public and private partnerships.  The Schwartz house which houses the gallery in the park was built in 1902 and moved from its original location to the park where it was restored. The gallery and sculpture gardens are well worth the one and a half hour drive from Winnipeg  and best of all it is free.


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Location: Altona, MB R0G, Canada

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