Glenbow Promises Renovation Will Thrill

Name: Glenbow Promises Renovation Will Thrill
Item: Glenbow Museum
Author: Galleries West

February 26, 2021

5:08 PM

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

Calgary's Glenbow Museum has published details about its ongoing renovation with the goal of creating "a building that gives you a thrill."

The plans, published on the Glenbow website, show an open-air lobby and new gathering spaces that "will be responsive to post-COVID needs for public space, including airflow, accessibility, interactivity of exhibitions and capacity management."

The $115-million renovations will mitigate risks of aging infrastructure, increasing the building's lifespan and energy efficiency while also improving accessibility for the public, it says.

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

Other features are new gallery and education spaces, as well as new technology for the public to engage with exhibitions.

"The renovation will transform Glenbow from an introverted, opaque building closed off from public view into a cultural landmark with a welcoming presence and amenities that will allow people to interact with art in new ways," it says.

The plan includes a restaurant and enhanced retail space.

Construction will proceed in three phases. The first phase, now underway, allows exhibitions in second-floor galleries, while the third and fourth floors are closed to the public for upgrades, including the removal of hazardous materials. This phase is scheduled to conclude in October.

The second phase will see the building's complete closure and creation of temporary pop-up space, along with digital outreach and educational programming. Mechanical and electrical systems will be decommissioned and the exterior building envelope will be removed.

The final phase will include upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems and exterior improvements.

The province has contributed $40 million to the project, while the city has approved $14 million. A campaign is underway go raise private donations to complete the project.

Source: Glenbow Museum