Glenbow (at The Edison) is Glenbow Museum’s temporary downtown gallery space in Calgary—a modern, light-filled exhibition venue inside The Edison office tower just steps from Stephen Avenue. While the main Glenbow building is undergoing a major transformation, Glenbow (at The Edison) keeps the city’s signature art and museum experience alive with rotating exhibitions, contemporary Canadian art, and free or low-cost access right in the core.
This guide explains what Glenbow (at The Edison) is, where to find it, what you’ll see inside, and how to combine a visit with other downtown Calgary attractions.
What Is Glenbow (at The Edison)?
Glenbow (at The Edison) is a satellite space for the Glenbow Museum created to:
- Keep Glenbow’s collections visible during the multi-year renovation of its main building
- Offer rotating exhibitions of art and artifacts in a stylish, accessible downtown setting
- Experiment with new ways of displaying art, telling stories, and welcoming visitors
Instead of a huge, multi-floor museum, Glenbow (at The Edison) feels like a carefully curated gallery hub:
- Fewer objects on display at once
- More space around each work
- Shorter, focused exhibitions that change regularly
It’s ideal for visitors who want a meaningful cultural stop that fits easily into a half-day downtown itinerary.
Where Is Glenbow (at The Edison) in Downtown Calgary?
Glenbow (at The Edison) is located inside The Edison office tower in Calgary’s downtown core.
- Area: Just off Stephen Avenue Walk and close to The CORE Shopping Centre
- Neighbourhood: Downtown Commercial Core
- Nearby attractions: Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue, The CORE & Devonian Gardens, Glenbow’s original building (under renovation), East Village
Because of this central position, you can:
- Walk from many downtown hotels and offices
- Reach Glenbow (at The Edison) via the CTrain in a few minutes
- Combine your visit with shopping, dining, and riverfront walks
Exact entrance details and floor numbers can change with building updates, so always follow posted wayfinding signs in The Edison lobby or check Glenbow’s official website before visiting.
Why Visit Glenbow (at The Edison)?
1. A convenient taste of Glenbow in the heart of downtown
While Glenbow’s main building is being rebuilt, Glenbow (at The Edison) lets you:
- See highlights from the collection without leaving the core
- Fit art and culture into a business trip or city break
- Experience Glenbow’s new direction—more interactive, more welcoming, and more focused on under-represented stories
If you only have a few hours in Calgary, Glenbow (at The Edison) is one of the simplest ways to add culture to your itinerary.
2. Rotating exhibitions and contemporary focus
Rather than permanent galleries, Glenbow (at The Edison) features:
- Short-run exhibitions that change several times a year
- A strong emphasis on contemporary art, Indigenous artists, and Western Canadian voices
- Thematic shows built around identity, place, history, and the environment
This means every visit can feel fresh, even for locals.
3. Accessible, welcoming space
Glenbow (at The Edison) is designed to feel:
- Bright and open with lots of natural light
- Intimate enough that visitors don’t feel overwhelmed
- Comfortable for both art newcomers and seasoned museum-goers
Interpretive texts are written in clear, approachable language, with an emphasis on context and personal stories rather than dense academic jargon.
What You’ll See at Glenbow (at The Edison)
Because exhibitions rotate, the specific works on view will change, but you can expect certain themes and types of experience at Glenbow (at The Edison).
Changing Art Exhibitions
Typical shows may include:
- Solo exhibitions by notable Canadian or international artists
- Group shows around topics like the Prairies, identity, climate, or migration
- Installations that use video, sound, sculpture, and immersive environments
Labels and wall texts often highlight:
- Artists’ personal backgrounds
- Links to Alberta and Western Canada
- Connections between historical collections and contemporary issues
Selections from Glenbow’s Permanent Collection
You may encounter rotating selections from Glenbow’s:
- Historical paintings and prints
- Sculpture and decorative art
- Photography collections, including Western Canadian and Indigenous imagery
Curators use these works to connect the temporary space with Glenbow’s long history as a major collecting institution.
Indigenous Art and Perspectives
Glenbow has made a long-term commitment to Indigenous collaboration and representation. At Glenbow (at The Edison) you may see:
- Works by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists
- Exhibitions developed in consultation with Indigenous curators and knowledge keepers
- Interpretive texts that foreground traditional knowledge, language, and community voices
This helps visitors understand Calgary and Alberta as part of Treaty 7 territory and a broader Indigenous cultural landscape.
Programs, Talks, and Events
Depending on the season, Glenbow (at The Edison) may host:
- Artist talks and curator-led tours
- Panel discussions on art, history, and social topics
- Creative workshops or family-friendly drop-in activities
Event schedules shift regularly, so check what’s on during your stay.
Visiting Information for Glenbow (at The Edison)
Admission and tickets
As of recent years, Glenbow (at The Edison) has often offered free admission, sometimes with timed entry tickets to manage capacity.
Because policies can change, always:
- Visit the official Glenbow website to confirm whether you need to reserve a ticket in advance
- Check current opening days and hours, which may differ from the main Glenbow building schedule
Even when entry is free, booking a time slot can help you avoid waiting at busy periods.
How to Get to Glenbow (at The Edison)
By CTrain (LRT):
- Take the Red or Blue Line to any downtown 7 Avenue station.
- Walk a short distance south to The Edison building entrances.
- The walk is usually 5–7 minutes from most downtown stations.
By bus:
- Numerous bus routes serve downtown streets near 2 Street, 3 Street, and 4 Street SW.
- Use Calgary Transit’s trip planner to pick the best route.
On foot:
- From many downtown hotels, you can simply walk via Stephen Avenue Walk or the +15 skywalk network (in business hours).
By car:
- Public parkades and surface lots are available in the downtown core, but can be expensive and busy at peak times.
- If you’re only visiting Glenbow (at The Edison) plus a nearby attraction, transit is often simpler.
Accessibility
Glenbow (at The Edison) is located in a modern office tower and typically offers:
- Elevator access from street level and parkades
- Wide gallery spaces that work for mobility aids and strollers
- Seating areas for rest
For detailed information about ramps, washrooms, and sensory considerations, check Glenbow’s accessibility details or contact the museum before your visit.
How Long to Spend at Glenbow (at The Edison)
The compact layout makes Glenbow (at The Edison) easy to fit into various schedules:
- Quick visit: 45–60 minutes to walk through the galleries, read key panels, and see the main works.
- Standard visit: 1.5–2 hours to move at a relaxed pace, watch video pieces, and reflect.
- Art-focused half day: 3–4 hours if you attend a program, take notes, or combine with a café break and nearby public art.
Because exhibitions change, art lovers may want to return each season.
Combining Glenbow (at The Edison) with Other Downtown Attractions
One of the best parts of Glenbow (at The Edison) is how easily it fits into a larger downtown plan. Here are a few ideas:
Art & Architecture Circuit
- Start at Glenbow (at The Edison)
- Walk along Stephen Avenue Walk to see heritage sandstone buildings
- Visit the Calgary Central Library and Studio Bell in East Village
- End with a stroll along the Bow River Pathway
Shopping & Greenery + Culture
- Explore The CORE & Devonian Gardens for shopping and an indoor park
- Walk a few minutes to Glenbow (at The Edison) for your art fix
- Finish with coffee or dinner on Stephen Avenue or in the Beltline
Business Trip Break
- Slot Glenbow (at The Edison) between meetings
- Spend 60–90 minutes in the galleries
- Return refreshed to your conference or office nearby
Quick Overview: Glenbow (at The Edison) Calgary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main focus | Rotating art and museum exhibitions in a downtown satellite space |
| Location | Inside The Edison tower, near Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary |
| Connection to Glenbow | Temporary venue while main Glenbow Museum is under major renovation |
| Typical visit duration | 1–2 hours |
| Best for | Art lovers, city-break visitors, office workers, students, families |
| Access | Easy by CTrain, bus, walking; paid parkades nearby |
| Cost | Often free or low-cost; check current admission policies |
FAQ about Glenbow (at The Edison)
Is Glenbow (at The Edison) the same as the main Glenbow Museum?
Glenbow (at The Edison) is a temporary exhibition space for Glenbow while the main museum building is being redeveloped. It doesn’t replicate the full museum but offers curated exhibitions drawn from Glenbow’s collection and contemporary art programming.
Do I need tickets for Glenbow (at The Edison)?
In recent years, admission has often been free, but Glenbow may require timed tickets (booked online) to manage visitor numbers. Always check the museum’s official site before you go to see whether you should reserve a time slot.
Is Glenbow (at The Edison) good for kids?
Yes—especially for kids who enjoy visual art or interactive installations. The space is smaller than a traditional museum, which makes it easier for children to handle, and some exhibitions include multimedia or hands-on elements. As always, suitability depends on the current show and age of the children.
How is Glenbow (at The Edison) different from a traditional art gallery?
Glenbow (at The Edison) blends:
- Museum-style storytelling (context, history, artifacts)
- Art-gallery presentation (focused, well-lit works with space around them)
It often highlights themes, communities, or historical stories rather than just grouping works by medium or style.
Is Glenbow (at The Edison) wheelchair accessible?
The venue is housed in a modern, elevator-served office tower, and the gallery spaces are generally flat and wide. For specific accessibility questions—door widths, washrooms, sensory accommodations—contact Glenbow directly or review their accessibility information online.
Conclusion
Glenbow (at The Edison) keeps Calgary’s flagship art museum alive and visible while the main Glenbow building transforms for the future. Set inside a sleek downtown tower, it offers rotating exhibitions, contemporary and historical art, and easy access from hotels, offices, and transit.
Whether you’re a local dropping in on your lunch break, a visitor exploring downtown Calgary, or an art lover planning a cultural day, Glenbow (at The Edison) is an essential stop that proves you don’t need a huge building to have a powerful museum experience.
