[1][2] The museum building is a pioneering example of the rustic style of architecture that was starting to catch on in North-American parks.

The museum was established in 1895 to house an exhibit of taxidermy mounted specimens of animals, plants and minerals associated with Banff National Park.

The building, described as a "railway pagoda", uses exposed log framing and rustic detailing.

[5] The property was fully restored in 2010, by a local contracting company out of Calgary, AB.

The exterior was restored from heavy oil products to an eco-friendly clear coating to protect and enhance the wood structure.