Calgary museum transforms from a brutalist structure into a bright, welcoming space.
The new, futuristic-looking Glenbow Museum in Calgary is scheduled to reopen in 2026 and to be rechristened the JR Shaw Centre for Arts and Culture.Once called “a vault” for its imposing design and limited accessibility, Calgary’s Glenbow Museum is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation. With thick concrete walls, minimal windows and a barely noticeable entrance, the museum’s brutalist architecture stood in stark contrast to the vibrant stories housed within.
“Over the decades, the staff did an extraordinary job of building a community through accessible programming, and the museum has had a lot of recognition nationwide,” says Mr. Bell. “But it was really fighting against its physical footprint.”Architecture trends in the 1970s didn’t help Glenbow’s vibes.
The sturdiness of Glenbow meant the building could take a lot of demolition, so DIALOG took it down to its bones. The architecture and design firm made use of all eight storeys, allowing visitors to see the conservation work and storage facilities on the higher levels. “We were going to bring light in many ways, but it needed to be done very thoughtfully. North light is what you want because it isn’t direct sunlight,” says Mr. Claiborne. “In the Salon gallery, we pushed out a wall and created what we call the ‘pillow window,’ which brings in perfect north light.”
Topstories Commercial Real Estate Property Report Appwebview Advpropertyreport Glenbow Glenbow Museum Calgary Calgary Museum Gardiner Museum Gardiner Museum Toronto Gardiner Museum Renovation Glenbow Museum Renovation Dialog Architect Jeanne Beker
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Calgary Police Youth Foundation Holiday Toy Drive, Supported by Global Calgary & QR CalgaryThe Calgary Police Youth Foundation has a goal of 2,000 toy donations as part of our annual Kiki’s Care Box Holiday Hamper campaign. Click here to find out how you can help!
Read more »
Exhibit highlights Sikh soldiers at the Military Museums in CalgaryAn exhibit highlighting Sikh veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces is on display at The Military Museums in Calgary.
Read more »
Calgary Transit asks city council for $19M to help pay for low-income passA calgary transit bus pictured downtown in Calgary on May 4, 2024.
Read more »
Townhouse explosion in southeast Calgary displaces several residentsA Calgary Fire Department high rise support truck drives through Downtown Calgary on December 13, 2021.
Read more »
$45K in funding for three Calgary organizationsThree Calgary organizations are receiving $15,000 each from the Calgary Real Estate Board Realtor Community Foundation.
Read more »
Multiple carbon monoxide alarms force evacuation of southeast Calgary residential building, northeast Calgary home and schoolCalgary fire crews responded to a carbon monoxide alarm Thursday morning in the city’s southeast.
Read more »