The 10 Most Important Art Galleries in Calgary

Calgary's contemporary art scene reflects the city's position as Western Canada's cultural hub, with galleries that showcase both regional Alberta artists and international contemporary talent. From downtown contemporary art institutions to artist-run spaces throughout the city, Calgary offers a distinctly Western Canadian perspective on global contemporary art that celebrates both local heritage and international innovation.

1. Contemporary Calgary

Address: 117 8th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4

Calgary's leading contemporary art institution in the downtown core.

Highlights:

• Contemporary art exhibitions and programming
• Downtown Calgary cultural district

Why Visit?

• Premier contemporary art institution
• Downtown cultural hub location
• Leading voice in Calgary art scene

2. TrépanierBaer Gallery

Address: 105 12th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0G6

A contemporary gallery representing Canadian and international artists.

Highlights:

• Contemporary Canadian and international artists
• Downtown Calgary location

Why Visit?

• Strong Canadian and international roster
• Downtown arts district
• Quality contemporary programming

3. Herringer Kiss Gallery

Address: 101 5th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0E4

A contemporary art gallery in Calgary's downtown core.

Highlights:

• Contemporary art exhibitions
• Central downtown location

Why Visit?

• Downtown Calgary cultural district
• Contemporary art focus
• Central city location

4. Leighton Art Centre

Address: 282027 144 St W, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0

A contemporary art center in a natural setting outside Calgary.

Highlights:

• Contemporary art in natural Rocky Mountain foothills setting
• Unique rural arts center location

Why Visit?

• Beautiful natural setting
• Contemporary art in landscape context
• Unique rural arts experience

5. Stride Gallery

Address: 1004 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2M7

An artist-run contemporary space operating since 1985.

Highlights:

• Artist-run programming since 1985
• Community-focused contemporary art

Why Visit?

• Historic artist-run space
• Strong community focus
• 35+ years of contemporary programming

6. Esker Foundation

Address: 1011 9th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0H7

A contemporary art foundation in Calgary's East Village.

Highlights:

• Contemporary art foundation programming
• East Village cultural district

Why Visit?

• Foundation-supported contemporary art
• East Village location
• Quality contemporary exhibitions

7. Bearclaw Gallery

Address: 703 5th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0Y3

A gallery showcasing contemporary Indigenous and Western art.

Highlights:

• Contemporary Indigenous and Western Canadian art
• Downtown Calgary location

Why Visit?

• Important Indigenous contemporary art voice
• Western Canadian artistic perspective
• Downtown cultural district

8. Art Gallery of Calgary

Address: 117 8th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4

A gallery with a regional contemporary art focus.

Highlights:

• Regional contemporary art programming
• Downtown Calgary location

Why Visit?

• Strong regional artistic focus
• Downtown arts district
• Alberta contemporary art perspective

9. Truck Contemporary Art

Address: 815 1st St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1N3

An artist-run contemporary exhibition space.

Highlights:

• Artist-run contemporary programming
• Downtown Calgary location

Why Visit?

• Artist-run experimental approach
• Downtown cultural district
• Contemporary art innovation

10. Newzones

Address: 730 11th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E4

A contemporary Canadian art gallery operating since 1990.

Highlights:

• Contemporary Canadian art for 30+ years
• Downtown Calgary arts district

Why Visit?

• Long-standing Calgary art presence
• Strong Canadian contemporary focus
• Downtown location

Conclusion

Calgary's contemporary art scene successfully balances the city's Western Canadian heritage with international contemporary art perspectives. From downtown institutions to artist-run spaces throughout the city, Calgary offers a unique perspective on contemporary art that reflects both regional Alberta culture and global artistic trends. The city's proximity to the Rocky Mountains and its role as Western Canada's business center creates a distinctive cultural environment that continues to attract artists and collectors from across Canada and beyond.