On any given day, there is a mix of people from varying walks of life and cultures sharing the space at Contemporary Calgary, whether it’s families checking out an exhibit, students on a field trip, local artists finding inspiration or friends meeting before a public program. Visitors come from all generations and backgrounds and are brought together by a shared appreciation for the arts.
Collaborating with more than 30 community partners, the gallery delivers a diverse lineup of public programming that complements its world-class exhibitions throughout the year. While an affordable admission model keeps the gallery accessible, an exciting new chapter is on the horizon. Soon, visitors will have even greater opportunities to discover and engage with this expanding roster of exhibitions and programs.
National support
Through its Build Communities Strong Fund, the Canadian government is putting its support behind Calgary’s contemporary art community.
With an investment of $40 million, Contemporary Calgary’s Centennial Planetarium Transformation Project (CPTP) will change the way Calgarians experience one of Canada’s leading contemporary art, education and community gathering places.
The funding supports the third and final phase of the CPTP, designed by KPMB Architects with GGA-Architecture in Calgary. The final phase will transform the historic Centennial Planetarium into one of Canada’s most environmentally sustainable contemporary art institutions, targeting net-zero operational performance through geothermal energy and high-performance building systems.
A new era
First opened in 1967 and home to Contemporary Calgary since 2020, the Centennial Planetarium will see numerous enhancements once the final phase of the transformation is complete. The expansion includes a new Entrance Pavilion, an education and gallery wing, a rooftop event centre and the creation of a new public art park. One of the most dramatic changes will be a high-tech upgrade of the iconic dome into Canada’s first flat-floor LED Dome, dedicated exclusively to contemporary visual artists.
“You don’t have to look very far back to see what cultural investment can do for a city. The National Music Centre didn’t just build an incredible destination in East Village — it helped transform an entire neighbourhood. Culture creates confidence. It attracts people, encourages private investment, supports local businesses and becomes a catalyst for economic activity,” says David Leinster, CEO, Contemporary Calgary.
“The Contemporary Calgary Centennial Planetarium Transformation Project offers that same opportunity for the Downtown West community. We’re investing in one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Calgary, creating a cultural anchor that we believe will inspire further investment and help shape the next chapter of our city’s evolution.”
A place to gather
Once renovations are complete, the Centennial Planetarium will have nearly 57 per cent more usable floor space, reduce energy consumption by up to 41 per cent and feature more than 39,000 square feet of gallery and education space, making it the largest non-collecting contemporary art gallery in Western Canada. During the transformation, Contemporary Calgary will continue to serve the community and act as a space where people can gather and connect through art.
“We see Downtown West as one of Calgary’s most exciting opportunities — a place where culture, community, the Bow River and city-building come together. This project is about far more than transforming an iconic building,” says Leinster. “It’s about creating a destination that will enrich the lives of Calgarians while helping to build a stronger, more vibrant downtown for generations to come.”
To learn more about Contemporary Calgary’s Centennial Planetarium Transformation Project, exhibitions and public programs like Free First Thursday, visit ContemporaryCalgary.com
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