The City of Calgary has reallocated $11 million in existing downtown revitalization funding to support the final phase of Glenbow’s transformation: creating new public spaces, including a terrace and associated garden, as well as street-level improvements around the museum that will serve Calgarians for decades to come.
“This investment reflects our commitment to a vibrant, accessible downtown,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “By supporting Glenbow’s transformation, we’re creating public spaces that will connect people, celebrate culture, and strengthen our city’s appeal as a global destination.”
“This funding is exciting as it allows us to focus on this final phase of our work to make the museum accessible to the public once more,” says Nicholas Bell, Glenbow’s President & CEO. “These public spaces will add to Calgary’s vibrancy as a cultural hub and further allow people to explore the many ways Glenbow adds to the city’s cultural fabric.”
The City’s investment will support the creation of the fifth-floor public terrace and garden, offering unique views of downtown Calgary, as well as the gallery and skylight connected to that terrace.
“The terrace will be an incredible space for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy together,” Bell adds. “By partnering with globally renowned artist Maya Lin to bring her first project in Canada to life, we will increase access to community and garden spaces downtown. Thanks to the JR Shaw Free Admission Endowment, access to the terrace will be free for everyone, always.”
The publicly accessible garden on the terrace will offer a place to relax, reflect, and connect. This funding will also support improvements along Stephen Avenue, 1 Street SE, and 9 Avenue, ensuring increased accessibility to Glenbow’s new home, the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture. These vital experiences will enhance accessibility and livability in Calgary’s downtown core.
“Museums play a critical role in transforming downtowns into vibrant cultural destinations,” says The City of Calgary’s Director of Downtown Strategy, Thom Mahler. “Glenbow’s project will help Calgarians connect with their city and themselves and be a magnet for visitors to our city looking for a world-class museum experience in an exciting urban environment. These public spaces will enhance those visits for everyone and leave them with an understanding of what Calgary and Alberta is all about.”
This investment from The City brings their total contribution to Glenbow to $48 million, making The City the largest funder of the Glenbow Reimagined project.
With generous support from all three orders of government, the Shaw Family Foundation, and supporters across Canada, Glenbow has raised $192 million to date. Ongoing fundraising seeks to fulfill the Glenbow Reimagined vision.
