The City of Yellowknife hosts a variety of initiatives and programs geared at highlighting local artists and revitalizing the downtown core through art.
From street banners, murals to beautifying our electric boxes, there’s no shortage of creative expression and storytelling on every hill, nook and cranny.
Everywhere you turn, there's a story to be told.
Electric Box installations
The Transformer Utility Box & Traffic Light Control Box Public Art Program was a municipal initiative designed to transform functional, street-level infrastructure into vibrant community landmarks. Back in 2017, local artists turned dull electric boxes into works of art.
Look out for these installations around the downtown core.
Bristol Monument
This vintage airplane introduces the visitor to Yellowknife along Highway #3, near the Airport. It is a Bristol freighter, once operated by Wardair Limited, an early air operator in the community. This very plane was the first to land on skis at the North Pole in 1967. The historic craft was donated to the City of Yellowknife in 1970 and is on display for all to see and appreciate the north's aviation heritage.
Bush Pilots Monument
This famous landmark in Old Town, provides a stunning lookout over Great Slave Lake, Back Bay and the city skyline. Historically, this large rock housed the town’s original water tower and commemorates the brave pilots and engineers who laid the groundwork for modern Yellowknife.
Through its winding wooden staircase and rotating beacon, the structure still offers navigational aid to boaters and float plane traffic.
Today, the six-story hill attracts tourists and locals alike looking for some perspective.
Interested in purchasing some unique northern art?
Check out The Gallery on 47th St. for the latest art collections, showcasing northern talent. New collections every week, always something new to see and experience. Artist receptions every Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Right across the street from the Gallery of the Midnight Sun, lives the Down to Earth Gallery. Shop handmade beaded treasures, tapestries, pottery, paintings, and so much more in this quaint little shop.
The Gallery of the Midnight Sun has the largest collection of gifts and goods, offering fine arts and crafts from across the North.
Aurora Emporium Art Gallery offers fur products, leather goods, custom mugs and more. A must visit if you are downtown.
Old Town Glassworks blends sustainability, upcycled glassware, and arctic beauty. Create your own unique glass art piece, join a workshop or purchase one already made for you.
Mahsi Cho is an Indigenous-owned bead and craft shop with a wide variety of traditional goods such as fur, hide, beaded earrings, cardholders, and so much more.