Since it closed for renovations The Glenbow Museum in Calgary has been missed dearly, but when it’s back in action it’ll be better and more affordable than ever!
Founded in 1966, the Glenbow has established itself as a Calgary staple, delighting tourists, educating locals and exciting schools of children during their highly anticipated field trips – but it needed a refresh.
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As announced in 2021, the museum is getting a major facelift and as they get closer to their big relaunch, more details have come out about what we can expect in 2026.
One of the most exciting so far? The renowned space in the museum’s new home at the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture will have a new rooftop terrace, designed by globally recognized artist, Maya Lin.
Estimated to be around 13,000 square feet, this stunning area will overlook downtown Calgary and is Lin’s very first project in Canada.
Featuring an all-season pavilion, event spaces, sculptures, gardens and a skylight, there will truly be no place quite like it.
“Lin came to international prominence in 1981 when she was selected at age 21 to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. What we know today as ‘The Wall’ established a new standard for memorial design worldwide and was the launch of a decades-long career that has spanned sculpture, landscape design and architecture in many countries,” the Glenbow explained.
“Lin has been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016) and by a lifetime achievement award from the World Economic Forum (2023). She is currently contributing a commissioned water garden to the Obama Presidential Center, opening in 2025. In addition, a documentary about her work, Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision, received an Academy Award in 1994.”
In addition, the museum will be totally FREE to visit forever due to a generous donation of $35 million from the Shaw Family, so start getting excited, Calgary!
It won’t be long until you can take a stroll through the Glenbow garden!
