We saw so much incredible art at Calgary’s best galleries that we’re considering making it a daily habit!
When I first set out to explore Calgary’s art galleries, I thought I’d just pop into a couple for a quick look and call it a day. But one gallery led to another, and before I knew it, I was ten galleries deep.
It turns out this city’s art scene is as captivating as it is diverse. So, here are the best spots where I accidentally became a self-proclaimed art connoisseur—consider this your guide to getting lost in Calgary’s best galleries.
Discover Creativity at Esker Foundation
– Media credit: eskerfoundation
Theme: contemporary art
Unique feature: large windows with views of downtown, video and audio resources
Address: 1011 9 Ave SE 4th floor
Contact details: +1 403-930-2490
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 11am to 6pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
The Esker Foundation is a must-visit for modern art lovers, offering an eclectic mix of installations, paintings, sculptures, and interactive works.
Though it’s not the largest gallery around, it punches above its weight with a rotating lineup of bold and thought-provoking exhibits—all free to enjoy! The space itself, with its lofty ceilings and bright, open atmosphere, is just as inspiring as the art on display.
You’ll find works from celebrated artists like Louise Bourgeois, making it a vibrant hub that champions the diversity and unique flair of contemporary art.
| Pro tip: Beat the parking hassle on opening nights by arriving early! |
Admire Local Talent at Contemporary Calgary
– Media credit: contemporarycalgary
Theme: contemporary art
Unique feature: Stunning architecture, global contemporary art pieces
Address: 701 11 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-770-1350
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 12pm to 7pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
Contemporary Calgary stays true to its name with galleries that embrace multimedia and interactive art. Each piece comes with a helpful introduction, so you get more than just a quick glance—you get to delve deeper into the art.
The building itself is striking and may look massive from the outside, but the gallery’s cozy interior means you can take it all in within an hour.
Membership won’t break the bank, either, with annual fees at just $20 for individuals, $40 for couples, and $50 for families. For young art buffs in their 20s to 40s, there’s a new Culture Club membership that’s worth checking out.
| Pro tip: Remember, admission is free on the first Thursday of each month—just don’t miss out on trying their cocktails while you’re there! |
Delight in Artistic Expressions Bearclaw Gallery
– Media credit: bearclawgallery
Theme: First Nations art
Unique feature: Extensive collection of Northwest Coast art, including works by Norval Morrisseau
Address: 10403 124 Street
Contact details: +1 780-482-1204
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Bearclaw Gallery is a treasure trove of First Nations art, featuring an impressive array of paintings, soapstone carvings, and traditional works by Indigenous artists from all over Canada.
With names like Aaron Paquette and Jane Ash Poitras gracing the collection, the selection is vast and varied.
It’s especially rich in soapstone and bone carvings from the high Arctic, offering a unique glimpse into the artistry of the North.
| Pro tip: If you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it in the gallery, just ask—they’ll gladly help you source it! |
Marvel at Diverse Artworks at Glenbow Museum
– Media credit: glenbowmuseum
Theme: historical Canadian art
Unique feature: Indigenous art exhibits, textile pieces, and historical art collections
Address: 130 9 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403-268-4100
Operating hours: Wednesday to Friday: 11am to 7pm
The Glenbow Museum is a fascinating destination, packed with captivating displays and layers of history waiting to be explored.
Its beautifully curated exhibits showcase diverse art forms, from pencil sketches to paintings and sculptures, with a strong representation of Inuit and Indigenous artists that enriches the experience.
The “Warriors” exhibit stands out as a highlight, offering not just armor displays but insights into the craftsmanship behind them—something you don’t often see.
The African and Alberta galleries are equally impressive, filled with artifacts and handicrafts from around the world. Don’t miss the tapestry-style artwork that weaves an intriguing tale of the oil industry.
| Pro tip: Keep in mind that the museum gets quite crowded on Thursdays, and you might encounter long lines at bag check, especially since all large backpacks must be checked in. |
Experience Bold Exhibitions at Gibson Fine Art
– Media credit: gibsonfineart
Theme: local contemporary art
Unique feature: Offers art consultations for residential and corporate spaces
Address: 523 Cleveland Crescent SE
Contact details: +1 403-244-2000
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am to 5pm
Renowned for its lively collection of canvases and paintings, this gallery shines a spotlight on Alberta’s local talent. It’s the perfect destination for anyone eager to support the local art scene while discovering unique works from homegrown artists.
The space itself is striking and versatile—it’s not only a great spot for events but also doubles as an art and furnishings haven. With a sleek, urban-sized layout, it tastefully showcases some of the finest talents from both the city and across the country.
The gallery’s dynamic nature means there’s always something fresh on display, supporting established artists while helping emerging ones shine.
| Pro tip: It’s not just a fantastic venue for hosting events—it’s also an amazing spot to shop for art and furnishings! |
Immerse Yourself in Culture at Paul Kuhn Art Gallery
– Media credit: paulkuhngallery
Theme: local contemporary art
Unique feature: Exhibits by both emerging and established Canadian artists
Address: 724 11 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-263-1162
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am to 5pm
A mainstay in Calgary’s art scene, this gallery showcases the best of contemporary Canadian artists in a warm and inviting setting. While the art is for sale, browsing is more than welcome, making it a great spot for both serious collectors and casual art lovers.
The gallery spans three levels, though two are fairly compact, keeping the experience approachable rather than overwhelming.
Its stunning space, with high ceilings and large windows that flood the rooms with natural light, truly elevates the photography and contemporary art on display. If modern art is your thing, this gallery is definitely worth a visit!
| Pro tip: Before you go, visit the gallery’s website or call ahead to see what exhibitions are currently on display or if there are any upcoming artist talks, workshops, or special events. |
Reflect on Thought-Provoking Pieces at Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
– Media credit: stephenloweartgallery
Theme: local art
Unique feature: Personalized art consultations for home or office
Address: Bow Valley Square, Suite 251, 255-5 Avenue Southwest +15 Level, 5 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-261-1602
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
- Saturday: 12pm to 4pm
Featuring an extensive selection of paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted items from Canadian artists, this gallery goes the extra mile for art buyers.
The consultation service is top-notch, guiding you through the selection process and digitally previewing how pieces will look in your space, complete with framing options.
The framing is done swiftly and beautifully, and they even handle delivery and installation.
The ability to superimpose different artworks beforehand makes visualizing the perfect piece a breeze. Their dedication to making the experience enjoyable truly sets them apart.
| Pro tip: They’ll even come to your home and bring a selection of paintings and frames for you to try out in your space! |
Score Fine Art Collections at Artmatch
– Media credit: artmatch
Theme: local art
Unique feature: Free digital mock-ups, flexible return policy
Address: 631 Crescent Blvd SW
Contact details: +1 647-952-9293
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
ArtMatch is an online platform that connects clients with local talent, offering a curated selection of artworks from Southern Alberta.
Dedicated exclusively to Canadian artists, with a strong focus on Alberta, it’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to buy local art. The user-friendly website allows you to easily customize your search, with plenty of pieces to choose from.
ArtMatch’s approach, including mock-ups to visualize art in your space, in-home trials, and opportunities to meet the artists, all delivered in a no-pressure manner, makes the buying experience seamless and enjoyable.
| Pro tip: We strongly encourage you to ask about a custom piece if you don’t find anything you love on the website! |
Engage with Dynamic Exhibits at Tsuu T’Ina Cultural Museum
– Media credit: ttnmuseumgiftstore
Theme: indigenous art
Unique feature: First Nation Arts & Crafts gift shop
Address: 62 Old Agency Road
Contact details: +1 403-238-2677
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm
The Tsuu T’ina Cultural Museum offers a fascinating and well-curated glimpse into Tsuu T’ina heritage, featuring an impressive collection of cultural artifacts such as games, tools, and ceremonial items.
The exhibits of dress regalia and intricate beadwork are truly remarkable, with the added depth of learning about the history behind each display enhancing the experience.
Set on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Reserve, this museum is a must-visit, providing an important connection to Alberta and Canada’s history. Highly recommended for anyone eager to explore Indigenous culture.
| Pro tip: We suggest calling ahead to book a tour, so you can learn more and hear from the experts! |
Celebrate Asian Art at Chinese Cultural Centre Museum
– Media credit: calgarychinese
Theme: Asian art, traditional and modern cultural works
Unique feature: Rare replicas of different kinds of Chinese artifacts
Address: 197 1 St SW Unit 128
Contact details: +1 403-262-5071
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 4:30pm
The Chinese Cultural Centre Museum is a fantastic spot for delving into the history of the Chinese community, particularly in Calgary. While it’s not large, it offers a concise overview of Chinese history, complete with intriguing artifacts.
Among the exhibits, you’ll find a replica of the famous Xian terracotta soldiers, along with horses and a carriage, as well as a model of the earliest seismograph—the first earthquake detector dating back to 132 AD.
The museum is adorned with beautiful Chinese prints, showcasing stunning examples of Chinese art. It’s an affordable and enriching experience that’s definitely worth a visit for the whole family.
| Pro tip: You won’t be able to access their restaurant, so if you’re stuck, just press another floor button, and the elevator will start moving again! |