Shaped by three powerful determinants—housing the Permanent Collection and Special Exhibitions, a beautiful but challenging site located on the floodplain of the Fitzsimmons Creek, and Whistler's enormous annual snowfall—the Museum's architecture responds directly to its environment and purpose. Completed in 2016, this stunning 56,000-square-foot building, designed by award-winning firm Patkau Architects, has received international recognition for its outstanding design and thoughtful integration with the surrounding forest.
Architecture
Designing for Place and Purpose
Xwalacktun, He-yay meymuy (Big Flood), 2014 - 2015, aluminium with LED lights, object: 487.8 x 167.6 cm. Audain Art Museum Collection. Purchased with funds from the Audain Foundation.
Photo: Riley Snelling
Awards & Accolades
2018
RIBA Award for International Excellence 2018
Governor General’s Medal in Architecture
American Institute of Architects 2018 Institute Honor Award for Architecture
2017
Azure AZ Award – Architecture Over 1,000 Square Metres
Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Medal in Architecture
Canadian Wood Council Design Award – Wood Design Awards of BC – Institutional Wood Design: Large
A Museum Shaped by Art & Nature
The building and its interiors are deliberately restrained, providing a quiet, minimal backdrop to the art within and the surrounding natural landscape. Clad in dark metal, the exterior blends into the shadows of the forest. The entrance and interior spaces are lined with warm, luminous wood, a welcoming contrast to the charcoal exterior, whilst minimal gallery spaces ensure artwork remains the focus.
Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
A Space for Art
Photo: Michael Elkan
Phto: Jimmy Dow
Photo: Riley Snelling
Installation views of From Sea to Sky: The Art of British Columbia
Photo: Riley Snelling
Explore the Building
Experience the Audain Art Museum’s award-winning architecture in person. Explore art, design, and landscape coming together in perfect harmony.