THE BUILDING

Architecture
The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a three-storey, 30,400 square foot complex on a 1.76 hectare (4.35 acre) forested site overlooking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is designed to evoke a traditional Squamish longhouse and a Lil'wat Istken (pit house), with pictograph-adorned boulders gracing the walkways along the approach to the carved cedar entry doors. Anchored by massive Douglas Fir beams and columns, glass planking ushers in the dramatic mountain scenery to become a backdrop for art and artifacts on display. The entrance and the axis of the building align with the celestial points of the compass, as is traditional in First Nations cultures.

Designed to preserve our Nations' cultures, and to share our cultures with the world, using both indoor and outdoor space, the Centre is anchored by the monumental Great Hall. Glass planking ushers in spectacular forest and mountain views which acts as a backdrop for our unique art and history. In contrast to the large dimensions of the Great Hall, Istken Hall is a cozy wood paneled, nine sided circular room which can become a unique meeting space. In addition, there is a Class A museum space to house rare artifacts, a gift gallery, and an 80 seat theatre.