A world-class showcase of provincial history, people, and culture

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

If you’ve wondered what stories the people, landmarks, and even animals of Alberta could tell from a historical perspective, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the place to listen and learn. Located in the city’s downtown Arts District, the 419,000-square foot space is the largest museum in Western Canada, boasting a massive collection of 5.1 million objects that speak to millions of years of provincial history.

The building is an architectural beauty with an abundance of glass walls that allow sunshine to flood much of the space at every turn. DIALOG’s team of architects, engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers created a venue to represent the landscape and spirit of Alberta. A beautiful curved staircase connecting the two floors of collections was designed specifically to mimic both the Johnston and Maligne Canyons.

One of the most memorable collections from days past is the taxidermy diorama collection in the Natural History Hall. This immersive experience is filled with duelling elk, hunting bobcats, and running rabbits, among many other creatures set in various poses and habitats. This collection has now expanded to include a number of live animals, like fish and turtles, as well as a magnificent gathering of sparkling gems and rocks, including tempting tactile items that people are encouraged to touch and explore.

The Human History Hall is a compilation of the stories of Indigenous peoples, farmers, soldiers, and other men and women who shaped the land we live on today. Indigenous peoples and communities in Alberta helped to curate the displays in this gallery, while the space itself is regularly honoured with smudge ceremonies. The Archaeological artifacts in the Hall are displayed to help visitors experience and connect with all those who have come before them.

“When we were building the new galleries, we wanted people to see themselves in the galleries,” says RAM Executive Director, Meaghan Patterson. “It’s maybe not what you may think would be in a museum, but it shows the everyday Albertans as well as the remarkable Albertans from our history.”

The Bug Gallery, designed by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership, is a temperate, slightly humid space that holds live spiders, insects and other invertebrates, and the Children’s Gallery (designed by the same group) offers a play space meant for exploration, experimentation, and movement for the youngest museum-goers.

Patterson also teased at an exciting new feature exhibit that will open this winter. “We’re bringing in a pretty significant exhibition that’s going to fill our feature gallery, a 12,000 square foot space. It will tell stories that we wouldn’t be able to otherwise tell within our collections. This [exhibit] will feature a window into a different part of the world, a different culture and connect communities throughout the province.”

The Royal Alberta Museum is open for guests Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. WWW.ROYALALBERTAMUSEUM.CA

Embrace The Season

Essential fall skincare tips for healthy and radiant skin

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, it's time to transition your skincare routine to adapt to the fall season. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and indoor heating can all impact your skin, making it essential to adjust your skincare regimen. Here are some fall skincare tips to help you maintain healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin throughout the season.

1. Hydration is Key:

With the arrival of fall, the air becomes drier which can lead to dehydration and dry skin. To combat this, ensure you drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated from within. Additionally, switch to a heavier moisturizer that provides deep hydration and helps to lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which are known for their hydrating properties.

For Her: Ember Wellness Facial Oil www.luxbeauty.com

2. Gentle Cleansing:

For Him: Jack Black Line Smoother Face Moisturizer www.luxbeauty.com

For Her: Adewunmi Skincare Oil Balancing Black Soap www.adewunmi.ca

For Him: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex www.loshen.ca

3. Exfoliate Regularly:

Exfoliation is crucial to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, revealing a fresh and glowing complexion. However, be mindful not to overexfoliate, as it can lead to dryness and sensitivity. Choose a gentle exfoliator with natural ingredients like fruit enzymes or mild acids, and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.

While it's important to keep your skin clean, avoid using harsh cleansers that can strip away your skin's natural oils. Opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that effectively removes dirt and impurities without causing dryness or irritation. Consider double cleansing, using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to ensure a thorough, yet gentle cleanse.

For Her: SkinCeuticals Micro-exfoliating scrub www.studionbeauty.com

For Him: Cellmen Switzerland Face Scrub www.loshen.ca

4. Protect Against UV Rays:

Although the sun may not feel as intense during fall, harmful UV rays can still damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day—even on cloudy days. Don't forget to protect often overlooked areas like your neck, ears, and hands. Consider using a moisturizer with built-in sun protection for added convenience.

For Her: Biologique Recherche Crème VG Derm www.loshen.ca

For Him: Skinbetter Science Solo Hydrating Defense www.loshen.ca

5. Nourish Your Lips:

For Her: Tesoro Botanicals

Amor Lip Butter www.tesorobotanicals.com

6. Eye Care:

For Him: Prairie Soap Shack Wild Greens Lip Balm www.prairiesoapshack.com

Cooler weather can cause dry and chapped lips. Keep them soft and supple by regularly applying a lip balm with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil. Exfoliate your lips gently with a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub to remove any dry, flaky skin before applying lip balm.

The delicate skin around your eyes is prone to dryness and fine lines, especially during fall. Invest in a nourishing eye cream that targets hydration and addresses specific concerns like puffiness or dark circles. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants to keep the eye area moisturized and rejuvenated.

For Her: Pura Botanicals Neroli Eye Ritual www.purabotanicals.com

For Him: Yonka Under Eye Gel www.loshen.ca

7. Adjust Your Skincare Products:

Consider incorporating products that provide extra nourishment and protection for your skin during fall. Antioxidant-rich serums or facial oils can help combat environmental stressors and provide an extra layer of hydration. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, or rosehip oil to boost your skin's radiance and resilience.

For Her: Pura Botanicals Ambrosia Beautifying Serum www.purabotanicals.com

For Him: RW Men Lookin' Good Lotion www.edenpureskin.com

Transitioning your skincare routine for fall is essential to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing. By focusing on hydration, gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, sun protection, and targeted care for your lips and eyes, you can ensure your skin remains radiant and well-nourished throughout the season. Embrace the changes that fall brings and adapt your skincare routine to maintain a vibrant and healthy complexion.