Nickle Arts Museum

Nickle Arts Museum

Nickle Arts Museum started with a philanthropic gesture. In 1970, on the occasion of his 81st birthday, Alberta oil pioneer Samuel C. Nickle gave the University of Calgary $1 million which the Alberta government matched. The gift was Mr Nickle's way of showing his appreciation to Calgary and Alberta for the opportunities he found there. The funds, supplemented by donations from Founding Patrons and from the University, built the Nickle Arts Museum, which was officially opened on Jan 12, 1979.

Dr Carl O. Nickle simultaneously gave a valuable collection of over 10 000 coins from the ancient world. In addition to the gift of coins, the Nickle Family Foundation donated other valuable works of art.

When the university became autonomous in 1966 the museum began purchasing contemporary art. The museum has continued to acquire contemporary Canadian art and ancient coins.