Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Medalta IN THE HISTORIC CLAY DISTRICT

In the early 1900s, Medicine Hat’s Historic Clay District distributed one-third of all clay in Canada. It withstood many misfortunes during its rebirth, including two fires and a flood, but there was always a group of passionate people there to pick up and rebuild the broken pieces. The Friends of Medalta Society were instrumental in transforming Medalta into the National Historic Site it is today. Originally established as a bustling factory, Medalta's journey has been marked by resilience since its revital ization as a non-profit organization. Medalta in the Historic Clay District stands not only as a testament to the city’s industrial past but also as a centre for creative expression and commu nity engagement, with human stories hidden in every brick, every piece of machinery and every piece of Medi cine Hat-made pottery found today. medalta.org 403.529.1070 713 Medalta Ave. SE

Beehive Kilns Over 14,000 bricks create the iconic structure of the Beehive Kilns, relying completely on gravity to keep the over head domes together. The kilns fired one-third of all clay being distributed in Canada in the early 1900s. Pottery was fired day and night for 7 to 8 days, and then cooled for 1 to 2 days. The high heat evaporated a penny. The Beehive Kilns can be toured during the muse um’s opening hours, and culinary and cultural events are hosted throughout the year inside the historic structures. Pottery Classes & Workshops What was once a hub for constant clay and pottery production now hosts begin ner adult lessons and children programs, along with in-depth workshops for pot tery artists. Try a Saturday Sampler, plan an evening with the Date Night Pottery Class, or book a multi-week course and be introduced to Medicine Hat’s clay culture.

The entire campus is the result of a dedicated restoration effort supported by the local community and all three levels of government. The result is a stunning context for dynamic experiences inside a National Historic Site.

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