Top 15 Places for the Best Calgary Art Gallery Experience

One of the primary purposes of art is to make people think and feel. Although you can consume art through online platforms and printed materials, observing art with people is still the best way to understand it.

An art gallery can give you a sense of community with a collective appreciation for the arts. And one of the best ways to experience art is by visiting the best Calgary art galleries.

To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best Calgary art galleries for you to enjoy!

1. Esker Foundation

BEST FOR	Assorted media for art experience
PRODUCTS	Art Installations
WEBSITE	http://www.eskerfoundation.com/
ADDRESS	1011 9 Ave SE 4th floor, Calgary, AB T2G 0H7
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 930-2490 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00AM – 5:30 PM

Esker Foundation is the best Calgary art gallery for its versatile approach to art. This art gallery houses innovative art pieces that ignite discussions among art enthusiasts.

They also have video, audio, and book resources for your at-home art experience. You can also visit their local, national, and international art installations for free.

When visiting the gallery, you can enjoy their permanent exhibitions, featured programs, and moving collections.

Highlights

• Permanent and featured exhibitions
• Free admission
• Local, national, and international contemporary art
• Additional resources for a heightened art experience

Customer Reviews

Take a look at what art gallery visitors have to say about their experience with Esker Foundation:

“It is an architecturally interesting building, where you find free art exhibitions, once on the top floor, you can also enjoy a nice view of downtown Calgary ?”

“What an awesome place to have open to the public! The exhibits are always well-curated and special, and the space itself is very classy. The view of downtown Calgary through the big window is like an ever changing exhibit itself, a real living picture. Thank you!”

2. Glenbow Museum

BEST FOR	Historical art
PRODUCTS	Art Exhibits, Historical Paraphernalia, Merchandise
WEBSITE	https://www.glenbow.org/
ADDRESS	130 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0P3
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 268-4101 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Glenbow Museum is the best Calgary art gallery and museum for its vast collection of cultural items. The museum collects artworks from various Canadian artists and also allows  other Canadian artists to donate their works to the gallery.

Its collection contains textile pieces, portraits, sculptures, paintings, and other historical and artistic items celebrating Canada’s culture. Glenbow also has indigenous art among their collections.

You can avail of tickets at group rates and even get free admission every first Thursday of the month. You can also check out their membership plans if you plan to visit regularly.

Highlights

• Focus on local art and history
• Assortment of exhibit objects
• Free admission every first Thursday

Customer Reviews

Read these reviews to know more about what visitors love about the Glenbow Museum:

“Spacious enough for social distancing in this pandemic. Enjoyed exploring all the floors from first floor to the 4th. Lots of interesting arts, cultural and historical collections. Staff were friendly and helpful. It’s good to see security guards too.”

“Highly recommended.  Well presented, high quality, and culturally appropriate presentation of Indigenous history and art, European settlers’ history including oil boom, and excellent and varied art gallery exhibits.  Free Thursday evenings.”

3. Contemporary Calgary

BEST FOR	Contemporary art installations
PRODUCTS	Art Installations
WEBSITE	https://www.contemporarycalgary.com/
ADDRESS	701 11 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2C4
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 770-1350
OPERATING HOURS	Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

If you’re looking for contemporary art, Contemporary Calgary will provide the best art installations for you to enjoy. It is situated in the old Centennial Planetarium, providing the best atmosphere to enhance its visitors’ art gallery experience.

The gallery aims to engage its visitors in its collection of art installations. So if you’re visiting Contemporary Calgary, make sure you bring your artistic opinions for meaning discussions.

Contemporary Calgary also aspires to put Calgary on the global scene of contemporary art. Thus, the gallery partners with other art institutions and visual arts organizations to achieve this goal.

Highlights

• Contemporary art installations
• Local, national, and international pieces
• Partnerships with art institutions

Customer Reviews

Contemporary Calgary has some of the best art installations in one of the best venues in town. Take a look at what Calgarians have to say about their visits to the art gallery:

“What a fantastic addition this is to Calgary. And a great use of the planetarium space as well. At 20$ for an adult annual membership, and kids being free for quite a while (can’t remember the specific age), you really can’t go wrong. Super close to the c-train station as well! Check it out and support them to make sure it stays around.”

“Enjoyed the space and that the building is being used. Staff were nice. We look forward to seeing more exhibitions!”

4. Stephen Lowe Art Gallery

BEST FOR	Assortment of art pieces
PRODUCTS	Art Installations, Artworks, Art Dealings, Art Consultation
WEBSITE	http://www.stephenloweartgallery.ca/
ADDRESS	Suite 251, 255-5 Avenue Southwest +15 Level, Bow Valley Square, 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3G6
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 261-1602 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

With the variety of art pieces in its collection, Stephen Lowe Art Gallery is one of the best Calgary art galleries. The gallery may be smaller than other art galleries, but it is home to masterpieces from 70 Canadian artists.

You can find paintings, stone and metal sculptures, glass and ceramic crafts, and other art exhibitions that you can admire and purchase. You can also approach them for art consultation for your home or business.

Highlights

• Paintings, sculptures, handcrafted items
• Corporate and residential design consultations
• Art appraisals

Customer Reviews

Stephen Lowe Art Gallery has a broad range of art pieces open to the public. Its staff is also knowledgeable, so you can be sure they know which pieces are perfect for you.

Here are customer reviews attesting to Stephen Lowe Art Gallery’s outstanding products and services:

“I highly recommend visiting the Stephen Lowe Art Gallery! A stunning collection of artists including glass works and sculptures. We loved the works of Janice McLean who paints beautiful Italian landscapes, striking figurative pieces and amazing florals. Anna the gallery owner was welcoming and a true knowledgeable lover of art. We look forward to our return!”

“We are so happy with our recent purchase along with several other pieces that Anna and Alan have helped us secure. They are the best!”

5. Gibson Fine Art

BEST FOR	Canvas art pieces for sale
PRODUCTS	Paintings, Art Consultation, Art Dealings
WEBSITE	https://www.gibsonfineart.ca/
ADDRESS	628 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E2
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 244-2000
OPERATING HOURS	Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

If you’re looking for canvas art pieces, Gibson Fine Art is the best Calgary art gallery you can visit. The gallery sources its displays from local artists in Alberta.

Aside from art enthusiasts and gallery visitors, Gibson Fine Art also caters to those looking to purchase some art. It also offers art-related resources and consultations to architects, business owners, and interior designers.

They have many collections that they update from time to time. You can also buy artwork from Gibson for your home or other unique places and occasions.

Highlights

• Paintings and canvas art
• Fine art dealings
• Support for local artists

Customer Reviews

Here are the customer reviews to convince you of visiting—and maybe even buying—the artworks from Gibson Fine Art:

“This gallery is inspired.  The urban sized space tastefully displays some of the city’s best, and the country’s best artists.  Always changing, this gallery showcases and supports many acclaimed artists and develops newer artists to reach their full potential.”

“Thank you!! For answering all my endless questions and for measuring my wall about 100x so that I was confident the art would work.  I love my new piece.  See you again soon.”

6. Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society 

BEST FOR	Art Gallery
PRODUCTS	Visual Art, Art Education
WEBSITE	http://www.artpoint.ca/
ADDRESS	1038 17 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 1J8
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 265-6867
OPERATING HOURS	Saturdays 11 am to 4 pm during specified exhibit hours, unless specified additional hours are designated for specific exhibitions

Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society  is a non-profit artist-run studio that has been a home of visual arts & education, Heritage Weavers, and Spinners Guild of Calgary. 

They are already open to the public and wearing face masks and social distancing is highly encouraged.

What’s great about them is that they already have booked exhibitions for almost all months 2022! In June, the exhibitors are Jackie Huskisson & Doro Burch, Artpoint ESSC Group Show 2022 on September, Vern Grey on October, Heritage Weavers on November, and Carol Bondaroff on the last month of the year.

Highlights

• Spacious 
• Filled with passionate people
• Free admission

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Artpoint Gallery & Studios Society’s clients:

“What a wonderful creative space, filled with people who are passionate about their art.” -Kathleen Jacobson

Here’s another one:

“Fabulous weavers guild sake!!!” -Susan Knapp

7. Art Market Craft Sale

BEST FOR	Wide range of art
PRODUCTS	https://www.artmarketcraftsale.com/craft-show-details/
WEBSITE	https://www.artmarketcraftsale.com/
ADDRESS	Centre 136 – 8th Ave. S.E. Calgary, AB, Canada T2G 0K6 Telus Convention Center
CONTACT DETAILS	https://www.artmarketcraftsale.com/contact/
OPERATING HOURS	November 18-21, 2021

Art Market Craft Sale has been a part of Calgary for 35 years. It is an annual event that is held every year at the Telus Convention Centre wherein 200 professional artisans from across Canada come together to present an amazing selection of quality art and craft. With live music, food, spirits and shopping, it is an event not to be missed!

They only feature the highest standards and greatest diversity of fine art and craft available in Calgary. Choose from delicate pottery, vibrant jewellery, timeless home furnishings, seasonal decorations, custom clothing, and delicious artisan foods.

Over fifty craft categories are represented with creative works for every person on your list, including you.

Highlights

• Holiday event
• Supports local artists
• Wide range of exhibitors

8. Micah Gallery

BEST FOR	Native & Western Art Gallery
PRODUCTS	Art Exhibitions
WEBSITE	https://micahgallery.com/
ADDRESS	Old West Mall in Bragg Creek, Alberta at 27 Balsam Avenue
CONTACT DETAILS	North America – Toll Free 1-877-299-1340 Telephone: (403) 245-1340 Facsimile: (403) 249-8799 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more information

Micah Gallery is a wholesale supplier of North American Indian Jewelry, Arts, Crafts and Collectibles. They opened their first independent retail location in Calgary on August 20, 1994.

They have a sincere passion for the preservation of indigenous art forms. Their website enables their customers to view the many traditional forms of First Nation Artistry.

Highlights

• Committed in preserving indigenous art
• Provides the history and culture in their website

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Micah Gallery’s clients:

“This is a nice store.mind you im so into native americanism i could spend a time in there looking at all the nice things.The salespeople are friendly and happy to show you things in the cases etc.spacious enough that your not banging into things if you turn around.Tastefully decorated..”

9. Beacon Original Art

BEST FOR	Art Gallery
PRODUCTS	Art Exhibitions
WEBSITE	http://beaconoriginalart.com/
ADDRESS	235 – 10 Ave NE Calgary, AB T2E 0X1
CONTACT DETAILS	403-276-9602 beaconoriginalart@yahoo.com
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more details

Beacon Original Art is committed to creating an environment of belonging for artists and art enthusiasts.  With over 20 artists in attendance each day, they display and sell high-quality art.

Artists now have the chance to share their artworks, inspirations, and techniques to the public.

Highlights

• Open to the public
• Has an Annual Spring and Fall Show

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Beacon Original Art ’s clients:

“Greatest event to buy high quality, original art from local artists!”

Here is another one:

“My kids ( 12 and 14) and I had the BEST time at the Art Show this morning. We spoke to many artists, soaked in the beautiful art that was everywhere and did some sneaky, on-the-side Christmas shopping. We will definitely come back next year “

10. Fortune Fine Art

BEST FOR	Art Gallery
PRODUCTS	Art Exhibitions
WEBSITE	https://www.fortunefineart.com/
ADDRESS	#3, 215 – 39TH AVENUE N.E., CALGARY, T2E 7E3
CONTACT DETAILS	PHONE: 403-277-7252 FAX: 403-277-7364 EMAIL: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more details

This Canadiana art gallery offers a collection of Canadian scenes by 290 artists, including historical names such as Norman Brown, “Duncan” MacKinnon Crockford, W.R deGarthe, N. de Grandmaison, Georgia Jarvis, Maud Lewis, Torquil Reed and Marguerite Zwicker.

The contemporary artists they feature include Dorothy Chisholm, Anne Gallant, Fraser Hine, George Horvath, Glenn Olson and Colin Williams. For sale or lease. Browsers are always welcome.

Highlights

• Wide and inclusive collection of Canadian art
• Always adding new artists and paintings

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Fortune Fine Art’s clients:

“Great selection of art and reasonable prices.”

Here is another one:

“This is a unique, hidden, secret art gallery & museum. It is Not open to the public. It’s by invitation only. It’s the Owner’s hobby in his retirement.”

11. Apik Art Gallery & Floral Boutique

BEST FOR	Affordable Art
PRODUCTS	https://florist.apikfineart.ca/
WEBSITE	https://apikfineart.ca/
ADDRESS	200 Barclay Parade S.W Calgary T2P 4R5
CONTACT DETAILS	403-700-2427 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Contact for more details

Apik Art Gallery & Floral Boutique is committed to developing and promoting local artists by providing a welcoming artistic environment for them to learn, showcase their work, and be part of their artist collective. Tucked away in the Eau Claire Market, Apik Art Gallery attracts dozens of people to its open house event for Calgary’s Artwalk.

This community-focused gallery emphasizes creative expression, no matter what your personal situation is. As a result, its walls are graced with a diverse range of artwork, each piece telling its own story. Tara Peters, owner of Apik Art Gallery, believes this sense of community is what makes her gallery so special.

Highlights

• Also offers art classes
• Wide range of artists with different styles

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Apik Art Gallery & Floral Boutique’s clients:

“A great selection of art by local artists. Everything from handcrafted wood serving pieces, jewelry, sculpture, and original paintings. They also sell lovely fresh floral bouquets. There is always one of the curated artist in the gallery.”

Here is another one:

“I have done three classes with three different guest artists at Apik and have enjoyed each one. I have no art training but was able to create three paintings I’m proud of and had fun evenings creating them. Apik has a liquor license and serves wine and appetizers for their adult evening classes. It’s a great space and the owner, Tara, is very encouraging and helpful. I’ve taken my kids here for a couple different Saturday kids classes and they had a lot of fun.”

12. Knox Contemporary Gallery of Art

BEST FOR	Contemporary Art Gallery
PRODUCTS	Contemporary Art Gallery
WEBSITE	https://knoxgalleryofart.com/
ADDRESS	Viewing of artwork is available by appointment only Contact them to book a time
CONTACT DETAILS	(403) 861-9961 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday-Saturday, 11AM-6PM Sunday, 12NN-4PM

Knox Contemporary Gallery of Art is the home of fifteen wonderful artists together with their artworks. Their artists come from different fields with different styles and techniques with their art and craft. 

Last June 2020, they conducted their first online exhibition called “XPOSED – Naked & Not Afraid”. The exhibit is a product of contemporary artists throughout the world that focused on the human figure, sexuality, and identity. 

Most of the artworks in the gallery are for sale. Overall, it is a nice place to visit to appreciate and learn more about contemporary art.

Highlights

• Free admission
• Clean and organized

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Knoxx Contemporary Gallery of Art’s clients:

“After the Museum of Contemporary Art has closed down, the contemporary artworks that were inside the museum were spreaded through out Calgary. There are many pop-up museum or art galleries that sudden appeared. Knox Contemporary is one of them. Chlan Grant’s artwork featured inside Knox Contemporary can not only be found here but also at the Westin hotel and other places.

This is a very small collection of artworks. Cool to go in and look around. Most of the artworks are also for sale. There are no admission fees for going in and taking a look.” -Denise W.

13. ArtMatch

BEST FOR	Local Art for your Preference
PRODUCTS	https://www.artmatch.ca/style/
WEBSITE	https://www.artmatch.ca/
ADDRESS	Online Gallery
CONTACT DETAILS	+1 403-680-4741 / [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Sunday: 9:00AM – 5:00 PM

ArtMatch is an online gallery established by artists, for artists: a matchmaking service helping clients discover talented and independent artists in Calgary.

The online gallery hosts a curated collection of approx. 30 artists from Southern Alberta, showcasing a wide variety of sizes and genres, from prairies scenes to contemporary abstract works. Should you prefer something customized, ArtMatch also facilitates commissions with the artists they represent.

In addition to the curated collection of local art, ArtMatch offers free digital mock-up services to view the art in your space, free phone consultations with an experienced interior designer and artist, and a flexible 7 day return policy upon receiving the artwork – all to ensure a perfect match to your space.

ArtMatch works with both residential and commercial clients, and is happy to work with any budget. As a web-based gallery, you can take the leisure to browse and trial the art from the comfort of home.

We recommend ArtMatch for their wide array of selections (with a focus on quality) and consultation services which placed hundreds of artworks in spaces across Canada, making Canada a more beautiful and creative place one artwork at a time.

Highlights

• Highly experienced personnel
• Supports local artists
• Over 200 satisfied clients

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“We commissioned a painting by Patrick Markle. We loved the process from the time we met Patrick to discuss the piece to the time it was personally delivered by Patrick and Vandy. Patrick kept us involved along the way by sending us pictures and asking for our input. We love the colors and the way the painting brightens our family room!”

“As an Interior Designer I recommend Artmatch to other designers, who are working with clients that are looking for the perfect piece of art to complete their project. Contact Vandy at Artmatch to help you find it.”

14. Webster Galleries

BEST FOR	Quality originals from Canadian artists
PRODUCTS	Corporate, Consultation, Gallery Rental, Appraisal, Restoration, and Repair
WEBSITE	https://webstergalleries.com/
ADDRESS	UNIT 2 625-77TH AVE SE CALGARY, AB T2H 2B9
CONTACT DETAILS	[email protected] | (403) 278-3074
OPERATING HOURS	Weekdays: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturdays: 10:00 – 5:00 Sundays: Closed Sundays and Public Holidays

If you are looking for a place to go on your dates, maybe it is now the time to go to Webster Galleries.

They have been serving people in the area for over 40 years. Unlike other galleries, they specifically accept artworks from Canadian artists who are showing both nationally and internationally.

Artists of each artwork in their gallery can be found on their website which allows visitors to see and learn more about the message behind each work. If you ever go to their exhibit and there are too many people to your liking, they will treat you in the coffee shop right in front of their gallery first.

Want to buy one of their pieces? Do not worry because what’s great about them is they offer both local and international shipping.

Highlights

• Also offers framing and restoration services
• Updates their painting of the day regularly
• Gives the spotlight to their new artists
• Services may be improved

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“One of the most incredible framing places I have ever gone to. Above and beyond customer service, kind-hearted and thoughtful people behind the counter, and talented artists that can build custom shadow boxes with items that you bring in. I ordered a shadow box with personal items and pictures and they arranged everything beautifully and styled the frame and background with care and with affordable prices. I will be returning to this gallery and framing place for all of my future framing and art needs.”

“The staff at Webster was so great in helping me refurbish a painting my grandfather had painted years ago.  Having moved from back east, the dry weather in Calgary had caused the paint to begin to crack and peel.  Paula and Emilia fixed the parts that had come off and treated the painting so it will be safe for years to come.  I was so happy with the results!  Thank you”

15. TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary

SERVICES	Exhibitions and art programs
WEBSITE	http://truck.ca
ADDRESS	2009 10 Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB, T3C 0K4 Canada
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: 403-261-7702 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Wednesday – Saturday, 1:00 PM – 6 PM

TRUCK Contemporary Art is an artist-run non-profit focused on the production and public display of contemporary art. Founded in 1983 as the second story art society, is a platform for the development and transmission of contemporary art and related cultural activities in Calgary, on Treaty 7 land in Southern Alberta. 

They offer multiple exhibition programmes, talks, screenings, performances, publications, commissions, off-site and public events, residencies, community partnerships, engagements and outreach, and advocacy activities to artists and creative communities.

Their exhibits and public programming projects aim to connect the Calgary creative community to worldwide contemporary art discourses, national partners in the artist-run sector, and the general public. Their mission is to develop contemporary art while also enriching local, national, and worldwide societies today and in the future.

Most importantly, they promote contemporary art by adhering to the ideas of being artist-centered, accepting artistic liberty and self-determination, and participating in cooperation and exchange.

Highlights

• 40 years of experience
• Stunning and calming spaces
• Great customer support

Customer Reviews

Really enjoyed the depth and insight from such a very talented and respected artist

“Saw Alberta Rose Williams art show. Really enjoyed the depth and insight from such a very talented and respected artist.” – Patricia F.

Well worth a visit

“Great contemporary art tucked away in Sunalta. Well worth a visit.”  – Jay Jordan

We hope you picked out a gallery to visit from our list of the best Calgary art galleries. Make sure you free up at least half a day to fully enjoy for your visit to the galleries.

Besides going to art galleries and exhibitions, you can enhance your art viewing experience with the best sunrooms in Calgary. With natural lighting, a sunroom can be a great place for you to display your purchased art pieces.