The Glenbow Museum closed its doors in 2021, beginning a massive transformation that will redefine its role in downtown Calgary.
When it first opened in 1976, the building reflected the heavy, inward-looking style of Brutalist architecture. Designed more like a vault than a public space, the windowless concrete exterior prioritized storage over visitor experience.
Over time, that design came to feel unwelcoming—an issue the current renovation aims to correct.
When it reopens, the museum will emerge as the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture, offering a dramatically different look and experience.
Plans include a street-level entrance along Stephen Avenue, a new public lobby, retail spaces, a restaurant, and a fifth-floor terrace. Visitors will also see a redesigned exhibition layout, updated gallery areas and a new theatre.
During a recent tour with CEO Nicholas Bell, the vision became clear: this is not just a renovation—it’s a reinvention. He explained how the “need for renovation created an opportunity to make this a more attractive place.”
Thinking Outside the Box
One of the most striking changes is happening on the exterior. Workers are removing all 1,556 original precast concrete panels, which have reached the end of their lifespan.
They’re being replaced with a new façade system manufactured locally by Heavy—the same team behind the iconic Wonderland sculpture at The Bow.
The new panels are made from glass-fibre reinforced concrete known as Cloudcrete. Unlike the old façade, these panels will pick up and reflect light. This will dramatically change the appearance and create a more dynamic, inviting presence.
From the future terrace, the shift is already visible: what was once closed off is becoming an open and engaging outdoor area with impressive views of downtown.
Opening Up What’s Inside
The redesign focuses on transparency—both physically and socially.
For the first time, the building will connect directly to the street, with views into the interior from both 8th and 9th Avenue. Inside, all eight floors will be accessible to the public, replacing the old layout that limited visitors to just four levels.
Accessibility has also been rethought. With support from the Shaw Family Foundation, general admission will be free, removing a major barrier and making the space more inclusive.
Architecturally, the renovation reveals what was previously hidden. The original waffle slab ceilings will be exposed, celebrating the building’s structure rather than concealing it.
Meanwhile, removing parts of the third and fourth floors creates a large salon-style gallery, allowing for bigger and more flexible exhibitions.
A new theatre space will support film screenings, artist talks, and live performances—expanding the museum beyond static displays.
One of the most impressive accomplishments is that the museum continued to house its collection while work progressed. The museum holds over 250,000 items and continues to move and protect the artifacts from dust and other elements during construction.
Sustainable Future
Deciding what to do with the collection was a major consideration. It was a key reason why tearing down the existing building was not an option. Rehabilitation was also a cost-effective alternative.
The project has become a model for embracing adaptive reuse. By incorporating re-envisioned features into the design, it has leveraged its inherent value and promoted sustainability.
This decision not to demolish the building avoids sending 38,000 tonnes of concrete to landfill and prevents the creation of an estimated 56,000 tonnes of new carbon. Even the removed materials are being recycled into aggregate.
Beyond environmental benefits, the upgraded systems and improved building envelope will reduce operating costs while creating new revenue opportunities through expanded programming and amenities.
Investing in Culture
This transformation is part of something bigger.
The Glenbow is not just reframing its infrastructure but its entire relationship to arts and culture. These play a significant role in vibrant communities, contributing to social, economic, and intellectual life.
All levels of government, including The City of Calgary, recognized this value and are investing in the future. Along with the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT), these projects are part of the Greater Downtown Plan. Together, they will act as an anchor for a new Culture + Entertainment District.
Olympic Plaza was flattened in March 2025, and work has begun across the street for Arts Commons to embrace a new era as Werlund Centre.
NEXT STEPS – WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Glenbow is just one destination to explore along Stephen Avenue. You can check out our other guides: Behind Stephen Avenue and Arts Commons, which is across the street.
You are within walking distance of other public art installations. You can visit urban lookouts like Wonderland – Tallest Buildings and The Inception of Towers | Emergent.
Emergent is located in the plaza of The Edison. During renovations, you can explore Glenbow at The Edison. It is a temporary gallery space on the 2nd floor that hosts travelling exhibitions.
The Urban Explorer 