Calgary, Canada, boasts a diverse array of architectural marvels that reflect its rich history and vibrant culture.
From modern skyscrapers to historic landmarks, the city’s buildings offer a unique blend of design and innovation.
Visitors and residents alike will find themselves captivated by the intricate workmanship and creativity displayed in Calgary’s architecture.
Each building tells a story, contributing to the city’s identity and charm.
1. Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower, standing at 190.8 meters, is a renowned structure in Calgary’s downtown core.
Known originally as the Husky Tower, it was established as a project between Marathon Realty Company Limited and Husky Oil.
The tower, constructed in 1967-1968, served as a tribute to Canada’s centennial year.
Its mid-century design and the 1988 Olympic torch symbolism make it an iconic landmark.
The Calgary Tower offers breathtaking views of the city and the Rocky Mountains.
It continues to be a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in both architecture and panoramic cityscapes.
2. The Bow
The Bow is a striking feature in Calgary’s skyline. Standing 236 meters tall, it was the tallest building in the city from 2010 until 2016.
Designed by Foster + Partners, it boasts 58 stories and a distinctive crescent shape.
Located downtown, the building serves as the headquarters for Cenovus Energy and Ovintiv.
It combines modern architecture with functionality, offering office spaces and amenities.
The Bow’s design maximizes natural light with its curved façade.
Its iconic structure makes it a prominent landmark in Calgary. For more details, you can visit The Bow by Foster + Partners.
3. TELUS Spark
TELUS Spark, situated in Calgary, is a notable example of modern architecture.
This science center opened its doors in 2011 and is located just north of the Calgary Zoo.
The design of TELUS Spark stands out with its angular and metallic exterior.
At night, the building transforms with an evanescent light show, adding a dynamic visual element to the cityscape.
The building is designed by DIALOG and includes playful and colorful forms.
It is LEED® Gold Certified, reflecting the center’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
With a large exhibit space, TELUS Spark blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, creating an engaging and flexible platform for visitors.
It provides ample room for interactive exhibits and educational programs. Learn more about the architectural vision behind TELUS Spark’s design on DIALOG’s website.
4. National Music Centre
The National Music Centre, housed within Studio Bell, showcases Canadian music’s past, present, and future.
Located in Calgary’s historic East Village, this architectural marvel was designed by Allied Works Architecture.
It features a 300-seat concert hall that offers an intimate setting for performances. The building’s design includes stunning terra cotta tiles, enhancing its visual appeal.
Inside, the centre offers interactive music education, a museum, and a recording studio.
The integration of the historic King Edward Hotel adds a touch of nostalgia and history to the modern facility.
The space is versatile, serving as both an exhibit area and a performing arts venue, making it a cultural hub in downtown Calgary.
5. Studio Bell
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is located in Calgary’s East Village.
Designed by Allied Works Architecture, the building consists of nine towers.
The structure features walls clad in terra cotta tiles. These tiles are handmade and create subtle curves that merge and part.
Completed in 2016, Studio Bell serves many purposes.
It is a performance hall, a recording facility, and a space to showcase Canada’s music heritage. The unique design captures the imagination of visitors.
Architect Brad Cloepfil describes Studio Bell as “a gathering of resonant vessels.”
The building aims to blend innovation and visual appeal, making it stand out among Calgary’s architectural masterpieces.
Find out more about Studio Bell and its architectural features.
6. Central Library
The Central Library in Calgary is a stunning piece of architecture designed by the firm Snøhetta in collaboration with DIALOG.
Completed in 2018, it spans 240,000 square feet and cost $245 million CAD.
The library features a unique hexagonal-patterned façade made of glass and aluminum.
Inside, there are spacious reading areas, meeting rooms, and a 350-seat performance hall.
The building also reconnects the East Village with downtown Calgary, as it is located above a busy light rail transit line.
This iconic library aims to be more than just a place to read; it’s a civic and community hub.
For more information, visit Calgary Central Library by Snøhetta.
7. The Lougheed House
The Lougheed House is a remarkable sandstone mansion built in 1891. It seamlessly blends Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles. This historic site is located in Calgary’s Beltline district.
Originally named Beaulieu, which means “beautiful place” in French, the house was constructed for Senator James Alexander Lougheed and his wife, Isabella Clarke Hardisty.
The house sits on a 2.8-acre site and features 14,000 square feet of space.
It has been restored to preserve its historical significance and beauty. Today, it functions as a National and Provincial Historic Site.
Visitors can explore its gardens and museum, making it a cultural hub within the community. For more details, visit Lougheed House.
8. Calgary City Hall
Calgary City Hall is a key historic building in the city. Located in downtown Calgary, it serves as the central administrative hub for the municipal government.
The building reflects a mix of Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style.
Built in 1911, it features sandstone construction typical of the period, giving the building a distinctive and enduring look. The well-crafted clock tower is one of its notable elements.
The City Hall remains a functional space while also being a heritage site.
Its architectural significance and historical value make it a prominent feature in Calgary’s downtown landscape.
9. Eighth Avenue Place
Eighth Avenue Place is a prominent architectural gem in downtown Calgary. This twin-tower building complex encompasses 1,850,000 square feet.
The complex features a 49-storey East Tower standing at 696 feet and a 40-storey West Tower at 581 feet. It includes a three-storey indoor urban park, offering a unique blend of nature and architecture.
Eighth Avenue Place is recognized for its commitment to sustainability.
It is one of the first certified LEED Platinum office complexes in Canada.
Located at 525 Eighth Avenue SW, Calgary, the building is designed with elegant, understated industrial design elements.
For more details, you can visit Eighth Avenue Place here.
10. Jamieson Place
Jamieson Place is a prominent office building in downtown Calgary. Completed in 2009, it stands at 173 meters tall with 38 floors.
This tower is known for its LEED Gold certification, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.
It offers modern amenities such as ground-floor retail space, a conference center, and a fitness center.
The building features a winter garden with hanging glass chandeliers by artist Dale Chihuly.
The architecture follows Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie style, using a contemporary palette.
Jamieson Place includes 880,000 square feet of office space, making it one of the significant structures in Calgary’s skyline.
It was developed by BentallGreenOak and serves as a key location for businesses.
The tower’s elegant design and state-of-the-art facilities make it a standout in the city.
It seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal, contributing to Calgary’s architectural landscape.
Historical Significance
Calgary’s architectural landscape has deep roots in its history. The city’s buildings tell the story of its growth from a frontier outpost to a modern urban center.
One of the first significant structures was a 1,000-seat opera house built in the early 1890s by William Roper.
Located at 606 Centre St. S., this sandstone and brick building marked the beginning of Calgary’s architectural journey.
St. Mary’s Parish Hall, built in 1905, stands as another testament to Calgary’s past.
Designed by James O’Gara, this building originally served the Roman Catholic Church in southern Alberta and was later repurposed as a Canadian Northern Railway station.
The TELUS Sky is a modern addition that continues this legacy.
Its exterior lighting system is the largest piece of public art in the city, illustrating the blend of art and architecture in Calgary’s development.
These historical buildings, along with many others, provide a tangible connection to Calgary’s past.
They reflect the city’s evolution and growth, from humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving urban hub. Understanding these structures offers a glimpse into the rich heritage that shapes Calgary today.
Architectural Styles
Calgary’s architectural landscape showcases a blend of modern and traditional heritage styles. This mix reflects the city’s growth and its historical roots.
Modern Architecture
Modern architecture in Calgary features sleek lines, innovative materials, and functional designs.
A prime example is the Calgary Tower, built in the late 1960s. Its mid-century aesthetic and historical significance as the 1988 Olympic torchbearer make it a standout.
Another notable structure is the New Central Library, which blends modern design with community-focused spaces.
The dynamic facade and open interiors exemplify contemporary architectural trends.
The Bow Building is another modern icon.
Its unique crescent shape and eco-friendly design elements highlight Calgary’s commitment to sustainable architecture.
Traditional and Heritage Architecture
Traditional and heritage architecture in Calgary is represented by buildings that have historical and cultural significance.
The Lougheed House is a notable example. This Victorian mansion, built in 1891, offers insights into Calgary’s past with its preserved interiors and gardens.
The Centennial Planetarium, designed by local architect Jack Long in 1967, represents Calgary’s embrace of contemporary styles during that era.
Its space-age design speaks to the mid-century fascination with science and exploration.
Another significant structure is the Calgary Board of Education Building, an example of brutalist architecture.
Built in 1969, it showcases the bold and functional style that was popular from 1950 to the mid-1970s.
Architectural Landmarks and Their Impact
Architectural landmarks in Calgary shape the city’s identity and economy. They reflect cultural values and historical significance while driving tourism and local business.
Cultural Influence
Buildings like Calgary Tower and the New Central Library serve as cultural icons.
The Calgary Tower symbolizes the 1988 Winter Olympics, marking a turning point in the city’s history.
The New Central Library is an example of modern architecture.
Its open and inviting design fosters a sense of community and literacy.
Events held there often draw diverse groups of people, enriching the city’s cultural tapestry.
Also noteworthy is the historic Lougheed House.
This mansion portrays 19th-century life and serves as a museum. It offers educational programs that provide insight into Calgary’s heritage.
Collectively, these buildings promote cultural awareness, education, and pride among residents and visitors alike.
Economic Contributions
Architectural landmarks have a significant impact on Calgary’s economy. These attractions draw tourists, generating substantial revenue for local businesses and the hospitality industry.
The Calgary Court of Appeals building, although not open to the public, enhances the city’s aesthetic, making it more attractive to investors and tourists.
Events and tours held at places like the New Central Library stimulate economic activity. Restaurants, shops, and hotels benefit from the influx of visitors.
Additionally, construction and maintenance of these buildings create jobs. Architecturally significant projects provide business for local contractors, designers, and skilled workers.