Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown architecture was primarily influenced by the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 and subsequent clay and natural gas discoveries. Today, Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown is home to a revived culture of creativity anchored by Medalta’s contemporary ceramic arts center, the Esplanade, and numerous studios and arts organizations in the downtown core.
As for downtown itself, many of those early rail-inspired brick buildings are still standing and occupied by independent retailers, coffee shops, studios, and breweries who have encouraged a new generation of creative expression. Many downtown business owners have invited local and international graffiti and mural artists to turn the exterior sides of their buildings into public artworks. The result is a bright collection of murals that express our local identity and culture.
A tour of Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown is ideally paired with a cold or hot drink in hand. Take in the history and art that makes our downtown so great! On the move? Download the full PDF map here.
Take a deep-dive into Medicine Hat's history, and into some of the most prominent buildings in the city.
ExploreOne of the most prominent artists in the city's history, enjoy a tour of James Marshall's beautiful brick murals.
ExploreWith 330 days of sunshine, you bet downtown Medicine Hat has outdoor spots you can enjoy!
ExploreThe ultimate guide to shop in Medicine Hat's Historic Downtown. Click "Read More" to explore!
Read MoreVisiting Canada's Sunniest City? Check out this list of places to stay near Historic Downtown Medicine Hat.
Read MoreMedicine Hat Mural Fest started in 2018 when Jeff Goring saw more possibilities for the vandalized brick walls in the city, so he invited artists from across Canada to bring colour and new stories through mural paintings.
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