Best Art Galleries and Museums in Calgary
Immerse yourself in everything from avant-garde to aviation at Calgary's cultural hot spots.
Esker Foundation (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
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From modern art at the Esker Foundation to historical artefacts at The Military Museums, each gallery and museum in Calgary offers a glimpse into the city's ever-evolving story.
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Art galleries in Calgary
Step into Calgary’s creative side, where local stories and global ideas collide on gallery walls across these three art institutions.
Contemporary Calgary
Contemporary Calgary always keeps the focus on exhibiting the best modern art the world has to offer. That’s what makes it one of the top museums in Calgary. Located in the former Centennial Planetarium, this reimagined space always has something new to explore, highlighting modern and contemporary art. Located steps from the Downtown/West Kerby CTrain station, Contemporary Calgary is easy to access for arts and culture enthusiasts of all ages.
Location: 701 11 St SW
Contemporary Calgary (Credit: Tourism Calgary/ROAM Creative)
cSPACE Marda Loop
It’s all about creativity and community at cSPACE Marda Loop (previously cSPACE King Edward), a historic building turned arts incubator with an ever-changing mix of artist studios, performance spaces, and workshops. Visit the Alberta Craft Gallery for the perfect souvenir from Alberta-based artists, including everything from ceramics and jewellery to wood, textiles, and glass.
Location: 1721 29 Ave SW Suite #125
cSpace Marda Loop (Credit: Hero Images)
Esker Foundation
Esker Foundation is the largest privately funded, non-commercial contemporary art gallery in the city, with 10,000 square feet to explore in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood. The gallery changes exhibitions three times each year so there is always something new and fresh to discover on your next visit. The best part? Admission to Esker Foundation is free, making it a budget friendly way to get your arts and culture fix.
Location: 1011 9 Ave SE 4th floor
Esker Foundation (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
Museums in Calgary
Whether you're a curious traveller or a lifelong local, Calgary’s diverse collection of museums offer a deeper look at the people, places, and moments that have shaped the city.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary)
History is around every corner at The Confluence. Discover the diverse histories of traditional Treaty 7 territories along with the origins of Calgary at the home of the first North West Mounted Police fort, built in 1875, at the forks of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. The Confluence is a short walk from the City Hall Calgary Transit station and also offers free parking on site.
Location: 750 9 Ave SE
The Confluence Historic Site (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Mark Friesen)
Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park Historical Village
Take a drive into the past at Gasoline Alley Museum, home to one of the world's most extensive collections of antique vehicles and oil and gas artefacts from the early 1900s to the 1950s. Open year-round and included with your park admission, this museum is a must-visit stop on your Heritage Park Historical Village adventure.
Location: 1900 Heritage Dr SW
Gasoline Alley (Credit: Heritage Park Historical Village)
Glenbow
Glenbow is currently closed for major building renovations. When it reopens in 2027, Glenbow will be the first major museum in Canada to offer free general admission. Learn more about Glenbow’s renovation plan, Glenbow Reimagined, and how they are transforming the iconic space.
Location: 130 9 Ave SE
Glenbow, coming in 2027 (Credit: Glenbow Museum)
The Hangar Flight Museum
The history of Western aviation takes flight with interactive exhibits, uniforms, scale models, and over 20 historic aircraft on display at The Hangar Flight Museum. Deepen your appreciation for the wonder of flight as you learn the stories told about the airplanes and helicopters in the collection on display in a historic Second World War drill hall and outdoor hangar.
Location: 4629 McCall Way NE
The Hangar Flight Museum (Credit: Tourism Calgary/The Hangar Flight Museum)
Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park
Discover a transformative blend of contemporary art and nature at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park, a 20-acre sustainable haven on the outskirts of Calgary. Founded by influential artists Katie Ohe and the late Harry Kiyooka, visitors are invited to connect with over 20 sculptures and the vibrant local flora. The park is open Thursday to Sunday with free admission and onsite parking.
Location: 244034 Horizon View Rd
The Military Museums
Step into history at Canada's second largest military museum! Calgary's Military Museums are dedicated to preserving the memories and traditions of the Canadian Armed Forces through art, artifacts, and education. Tour eight separate museums at one location including the Naval, Army, and Air Force Museums of Alberta.
Location: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW
The Military Museums (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Blessing Obonomen)
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
Surround yourself with music at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Five floors of interactive exhibits, artifacts, instruments, and music memorabilia tell the story of music in Canada, with public tours available daily that are included with admission. Studio Bell is also home to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Location: 850 4 St. SE
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
Tsuut'ina Nation Cultural Museum
Explore the Tsuut'ina Nation Cultural Museum to discover rich cultural artefacts, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, and learn about Chief Bullhead's homestead. The museum, situated in a beautiful location just minutes west of Calgary, aims to connect Indigenous youth with their heritage while sharing Tsuut'ina Nation’s history with the public.
Additionally, visit the Museum Gift Shop for authentic handmade Indigenous goods and support over 40 local artisans while highlighting the diverse cultures of Tsuut'ina Nation and Turtle Island.
Location: Tsuut'ina, AB
Tsuut'ina Nation Cultural Museum (Credit: Travel Alberta/Dave Lieske @davey_gravy)
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Learn the history of the Chinese community in Calgary at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre Museum and get a firsthand look at rare replicas of Chinese artifacts, sculptures, ceramics and porcelain items, bronze wares, and items of the Qing Dynasty.
Located in the lower level of the Cultural Centre is the award-winning exhibit hall: “Our Chosen Land: 100 years of development of the Chinese community in Calgary.” First presented in 1994, the exhibition was a tribute to the Calgary Centennial Celebration, as the Chinese community has contributed to the development of Calgary since its inception more than 100 years ago. Admission is free for self-guided tours Monday-Sunday.
Location: 197 1 St SW
Chinese Cultural Centre (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Colin Way)
Sam Centre
Celebrate over a century of Stampede history at the Sam Centre, Calgary Stampede’s first year-round destination. Through hands-on exhibits, multimedia shows, and themed galleries, experience the people, events, and traditions that make the Calgary Stampede legendary. Highlights include interactive photo stations, Stampede fashion displays, and the 270° Stampede Sensations show. Located within Stampede Park, Sam Centre is a 10-minute walk from the Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain station.
Location: North-East Stampede Park
Sam Centre (Credit: Travel Alberta/Dave Lieske @davey_gravey)
About the author
Mark spent six years overseeing content development for Tourism Calgary. He’s always down for a neighbourhood wander and a chance to check out any restaurant that’s getting a lot of buzz.
