Contemporary Calgary is the city’s dedicated space for modern and contemporary art, housed in the iconic former Centennial Planetarium just west of downtown. With rotating exhibitions, striking architecture, and regular talks and events, Contemporary Calgary has become one of the city’s key cultural anchors—perfect for art lovers, curious visitors, and anyone looking for a unique indoor experience.
This guide will help you plan your visit to Contemporary Calgary: where it is, what you’ll see, how long to stay, and how to combine it with other stops on your Calgary itinerary.
What Is Contemporary Calgary?
Contemporary Calgary is a public contemporary art gallery and cultural centre that focuses on:
- Modern and contemporary art from Calgary, Canada, and around the world
- Exhibitions that explore current ideas and issues—identity, cities, technology, environment
- Public programs such as artist talks, screenings, family activities, and special events
Instead of a traditional, collection-heavy museum, Contemporary Calgary emphasizes:
- Rotating exhibitions
- Experimentation with new media and installation
- Collaborative projects with artists and communities
The result is a space where each visit can feel different, with new shows and fresh work to discover.
Where Is Contemporary Calgary?
Contemporary Calgary is located just west of downtown in the distinctive former Centennial Planetarium building.
- Area: West downtown / Eau Claire / Bow River corridor
- Setting: A sculptural concrete building on a low hill, with views toward downtown and the river
- Distance from the core: A short walk or quick drive from central downtown hotels and offices
You can easily reach Contemporary Calgary:
- On foot from Eau Claire, Prince’s Island Park, or the Bow River Pathway
- By car via Memorial Drive or nearby downtown streets
- By transit using bus routes that serve the west side of downtown (check current schedules)
Because of its location, the gallery works well as part of a day that includes river walks, downtown attractions, or nearby parks.
Architecture: From Planetarium to Art Gallery
One of the first things you’ll notice about Contemporary Calgary is the building itself.
The former planetarium
The gallery occupies the former Centennial Planetarium, a 1960s-era structure known for:
- Brutalist-style concrete forms and geometric shapes
- A distinctive dome, originally used for star shows and astronomy programs
- Elevated walkways and terraces overlooking the surrounding neighbourhood
Adapting this building for art has given Contemporary Calgary a unique personality—part science-centre nostalgia, part futuristic sculpture.
Interior spaces
Inside Contemporary Calgary, you’ll find:
- Large, flexible galleries suitable for big installations and multi-room exhibitions
- Smaller spaces for video, sound, or intimate works
- Public areas for events, screenings, and social gatherings
The mix of concrete, high ceilings, and natural light creates dramatic backdrops for contemporary art.
What You’ll See at Contemporary Calgary
Exhibitions change throughout the year, but you can expect several consistent themes.
Rotating contemporary art exhibitions
Core programming at Contemporary Calgary focuses on:
- Solo shows by Canadian and international artists
- Group exhibitions built around specific ideas or themes
- Projects that respond to Calgary, the Prairies, or the building itself
Media on display can include:
- Painting, drawing, and sculpture
- Photography and video
- Installation and immersive environments
- Sound, digital art, and performance documentation
Labels and wall texts are usually written in accessible language, helping visitors connect with sometimes challenging work.
Local and regional voices
Contemporary Calgary frequently highlights:
- Artists from Calgary and Western Canada
- Indigenous artists from Treaty 7 and across the Prairies
- Projects that look at oil and gas, landscape, migration, and urban growth
This makes Contemporary Calgary a good place to understand how artists in the region are responding to both local and global issues.
Public programs and events
Beyond exhibitions, Contemporary Calgary hosts:
- Artist talks and panel discussions
- Film screenings and performance events
- Workshops and family-friendly activities
- Special evenings linked to exhibitions or city-wide festivals
These programs give you a chance to hear directly from artists, curators, and community members.
Visiting Contemporary Calgary with Kids and Families
Contemporary art can be surprisingly family-friendly when approached with curiosity.
Why kids might enjoy it
At Contemporary Calgary children can:
- See large-scale, colourful works that fill entire rooms
- Explore unusual materials and shapes that invite questions
- Experience video and sound installations that feel more like environments than traditional paintings
You don’t need deep art history knowledge—simply asking “What do you see?” or “How does this make you feel?” can spark great conversations.
Tips for families
- Start with the biggest or most immersive installation to capture attention.
- Keep explanations simple and open-ended; let kids interpret for themselves.
- Break the visit into short segments with rests in common areas.
- Check the gallery’s schedule for family days or kids’ programs, which can provide structure and activities.
Practical Information for Visiting Contemporary Calgary
Opening hours and admission
Opening days, hours, and ticket policies at Contemporary Calgary can change, especially around special exhibitions or events. In recent years, the gallery has sometimes offered:
- Timed tickets or recommended booking in advance
- Special free or pay-what-you-can days
Because details change, always check Contemporary Calgary’s official website before you go for:
- Current hours
- Admission prices and discounts
- Any free-admission periods or special events
Getting there and parking
By car
- Drive to the west side of downtown near the old planetarium site.
- On-site or nearby parking is usually available; check signs for rates and time limits.
By transit
- Use buses that stop near the gallery (routes vary over time).
- Combine with a short walk from downtown CTrain stations if you enjoy walking.
On foot or by bike
- Walk along the Bow River Pathway from Eau Claire or Prince’s Island Park.
- Approach from downtown via pedestrian routes and local streets.
Accessibility
Contemporary Calgary is working within an older structure, but aims to be accessible:
- Ramps, elevators, and accessible washrooms are generally available.
- Gallery staff can help with directions and supports if needed.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, consult the accessibility section of the official site or contact the gallery directly before your visit.
How Long to Spend at Contemporary Calgary
The size of Contemporary Calgary makes it easy to tailor your visit:
- Short visit: 45–60 minutes to walk the galleries and view highlights.
- Standard visit: 1.5–2 hours, including time to read labels and watch video works.
- Deeper dive: 3+ hours if you attend an event, take notes, or spend more time with specific pieces.
Because exhibitions rotate, contemporary art fans may want to visit multiple times per year.
Combining Contemporary Calgary with Nearby Attractions
Contemporary Calgary’s location makes it easy to build a broader day around art, nature, and downtown life.
River and park combo
- Start at Contemporary Calgary for a morning of art.
- Walk down to the Bow River Pathway.
- Cross to Prince’s Island Park for a stroll or picnic.
- Continue into Eau Claire or downtown for coffee or dinner.
Downtown culture circuit
- Visit Contemporary Calgary.
- Walk or transit to Glenbow (at The Edison) for another art experience.
- Explore Stephen Avenue Walk and nearby public art.
- Finish at Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre or the Central Library in East Village.
Evening event and dinner
- Time your visit with a talk, screening, or special event at Contemporary Calgary.
- Afterwards, head to nearby Kensington, Eau Claire, or downtown for food and drinks.
This works well for locals and visitors looking for a culture-focused night out.
Quick Overview: Contemporary Calgary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main focus | Modern and contemporary art exhibitions and programs |
| Location | Former Centennial Planetarium, just west of downtown Calgary |
| Type of attraction | Public art gallery and cultural centre |
| Typical visit duration | 1–2 hours |
| Best for | Art lovers, students, visitors, families seeking indoor culture |
| Nearby attractions | Bow River Pathway, Prince’s Island Park, downtown core, Eau Claire |
| Season | Year-round (indoor attraction) |
FAQ about Contemporary Calgary
Is Contemporary Calgary suitable for visitors new to contemporary art?
Yes. Exhibitions at Contemporary Calgary are designed for a broad audience. Wall texts are usually written in clear language, and staff or volunteers can often answer questions. You don’t need prior knowledge—just an open mind.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Sometimes. For busy exhibitions or special events, Contemporary Calgary may use timed tickets or encourage advance booking. Checking the gallery’s website before your visit is the best way to avoid disappointment.
Is Contemporary Calgary good for kids?
It can be, especially for children who enjoy visual experiences and exploring new spaces. Large installations, video works, and bold colours can be very engaging. Look for family programs or activity guides when available.
Can I take photos inside Contemporary Calgary?
Policies may vary by exhibition. Many galleries allow personal, non-flash photography but restrict photos of certain works. Always follow posted signs and ask staff if you’re unsure.
Is the old planetarium still used for astronomy shows?
No. The building now functions as an art gallery. While its dome and architecture recall its planetarium past, Contemporary Calgary focuses on art rather than astronomy. However, some exhibitions may play creatively with the building’s scientific history.
Conclusion
Contemporary Calgary brings modern and contemporary art into one of the city’s most distinctive buildings, just steps from the Bow River and downtown core. With rotating exhibitions, engaging public programs, and a strong focus on local and global perspectives, it’s a must-visit for anyone curious about how artists are responding to today’s world.
Whether you’re planning a cultural city break, looking for a weather-proof activity, or building an art-focused itinerary for Calgary.Red, Contemporary Calgary deserves a central place on your list.
