Calgary's Glenbow Offers Free Admission – Forever

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Concept design for Glenbow exterior street front (courtesy Glenbow Museum)

The Glenbow says it will be the first major Canadian museum to offer free general admission forever.

The move comes courtesy of a $35-million donation from the family of JR Shaw, the Calgary businessman who founded Shaw Communications and Corus Entertainment.

The downtown building that houses the Glenbow is currently undergoing a major renovation. When it reopens, the building will be renamed the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture.

“At Glenbow, we have long believed that art is for everyone and have committed to increasing accessibility to arts and culture,” said Nicholas Bell, the Glenbow's CEO. “This gift is pivotal in our journey to reimagine the museum."

Julie Shaw, the president of the Shaw Family Foundation, said the gift honours the memory of JR Shaw, who died in 2020.

“Our family is proud to honour JR the best way we know how – by building upon his passion for Canadian art and artists and passing it along for future generations to enjoy without any barriers,” she said,

The family’s donation includes a $10-million endowment to create the JR Shaw Institute for Canadian Art. The institute, operated by Glenbow, will feature annual exhibitions, an artist-in-residence program and an internship and fellowship program.

The Glenbow, which has also raised $105 million from government and $12 million from other private donors, is continuing to seek an additional $23 million to meet its fundraising target of $175 million. 

Source: Glenbow