Discover Top Museums in Calgary to Visit in 2025
When planning your trip to Calgary, make sure you visit one of the city’s many museums. I didn’t think Calgary was a place where I’d go museum hopping, but that’s the beauty of travel: you discover new and wonderful things as you explore other places. So, what type of museums in Calgary can you expect? I’m glad you asked.
Calgary, the vibrant heart of the province of Alberta, is home to an impressive mix of museums that offer a deep dive into the local history, art and culture. Calgary’s museums cater to a wide range of interests from military history to contemporary art, from music to aviation. Here are some of my recommendations for the best museums in Calgary.
Glenbow Museum
Located in downtown Calgary, the Glenbow Museum is one of the city’s cultural cornerstones. This history museum boasts an extensive collection of over a million artifacts, documents and photographs, making it a treasure trove for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
The museum’s permanent exhibits showcase Western Canadian history while rotating temporary exhibits feature contemporary art. You can explore the rich cultural traditions of Indigenous people and engage with interactive displays that bring history to life. The Glenbow Museum is currently undergoing a significant renovation. Until then, you can explore the museum’s exhibitions at its temporary satellite gallery, the Glenbow at The Edison.
The Military Museums
The Military Museums, located along Crowchild Trail, is the second-largest military museum in Canada and the largest tri-service museum in Western Canada. This complex is a restructured version of the former Museum of the Regiments. It offers a comprehensive look at the country’s military history. With over 107,000 square feet of exhibition space, The Military Museums is an educational and emotionally moving experience.
It houses several separate museums under one roof, including the Army Museum of Alberta, the Air Force Museum of Alberta, and the relocated Naval Museum of Alberta. Here, you can explore extensive collections of military vehicles, weapons, and uniforms across different exhibits. The museum complex pays tribute to various regiments, including the Calgary Highlanders, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).
Studio Bell
Music lovers will find paradise at Studio Bell, home of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. This architectural marvel in the East Village neighbourhood is dedicated to celebrating music in Canada. Spread across five floors, Studio Bell offers interactive exhibits exploring Canada’s music history, live instrument demonstrations and performances.
You can explore recording studios, a radio station, and halls of fame dedicated to Canadian music, country music and songwriters. It’s the perfect place for music enthusiasts to spend hours discovering the evolution of Canadian music and even trying their hand at various instruments.
Hangar Flight Museum
Formerly known as the Aero Space Museum of Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum offers a fascinating look at Western Canada’s aviation history. Located near the Calgary International Airport, this museum is housed in a restored Second World War drill hall.
Aviation enthusiasts can marvel at various fighter planes and civilian aircraft, including rare specimens like the CF-104 Starfighter and a CF-18 Hornet. The museum also features hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to experience flight simulation, making it an educational and fun place for all ages.
Gasoline Alley Museum
Part of Heritage Park Historical Village, the Gasoline Alley Museum is a unique attraction that celebrates the history of the automobile and its impact on Western Canadian culture. The museum has an extensive collection of vintage vehicles and gas pumps.
Here, you can learn about the evolution of automotive technology through interactive displays and recreated scenes from early 20th-century garages and service stations, offering insights into how the automobile shaped Western Canadian society.
Contemporary Calgary
If you’re an art lover looking for cutting-edge exhibitions, visit Contemporary Calgary. The museum, housed in the former Centennial Planetarium, focuses on modern and contemporary art from both local and international artists.
With rotating exhibitions featuring thought-provoking contemporary artworks and a sculpture park showcasing large-scale outdoor installations, Contemporary Calgary aims to make modern art accessible and engaging for everyone.
Fort Calgary
Located at the junction of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, Fort Calgary marks the city’s birthplace. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into Calgary’s early days and the role of the North West Mounted Police in shaping the region. Through reconstructed fort buildings, interpretive centers, and exhibits on First Nations history, Fort Calgary provides a foundational understanding of the city’s historical significance.
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Sports fans will find their haven at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. This museum honours the country’s greatest athletes and sports builders, featuring interactive exhibits, artifacts, and stories that showcase Canada’s rich sporting history. You can test your skills in various sports simulators and learn about the achievements of Canadian sports legends.
Chinese Cultural Centre
The Chinese Cultural Centre offers a chance to explore the rich history of the Chinese community in Calgary. With its stunning architecture reminiscent of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the centre houses a museum that showcases the immigration experience and cultural traditions of Chinese Canadians. You can explore exhibits on Chinese art, calligraphy, and the history of the Chinese community in Western Canada.
Esker Foundation
The Esker Foundation is a privately funded contemporary art gallery that offers free admission. Located on the fourth floor of the Atlantic Avenue Art Block in Inglewood, this gallery presents thought-provoking exhibitions by local, national, and international artists. The Esker Foundation is known for its commitment to public engagement and education through its exhibitions and programs.
Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre
The Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (KOAC) is a unique cultural institution combining a sculpture park and indoor gallery spaces. Set on 20 acres of land just outside Calgary, KOAC offers visitors a chance to experience contemporary art in natural habitats. The centre features permanent outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibitions in its indoor spaces, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
Additional Museums in Calgary Worth Exploring
Calgary’s museum scene extends beyond these major institutions. The city is home to several other noteworthy museums and cultural sites, including the Deane House, which offers historical tours and fine dining, and the Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery, where visitors can learn about Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems.
Most museums in Calgary offer gift shops where you can find unique souvenirs to commemorate their cultural journey. Many also regularly provide educational programs, special events, and rotating exhibitions. Visitors should check each museum’s website for information on general admission fees, time slots for guided tours, and privacy policies regarding personal information collected during online bookings.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Calgary’s museums offer a deeper understanding of the city’s place in Canadian history and culture. These institutions provide educational experiences that cater to all interests. They are essential stops on any trip to this beautiful Alberta city, connecting the past with the present and inspiring future generations.
