Calgary is a true cultural hub in Canada, offering newcomers a unique opportunity to explore history, art, science, and cultural heritage through a rich array of museums and cultural institutions. The city was named Canada's Cultural Capital in 2012.
Top museums to visit
Glenbow Museum: The heart of Western Canadian art
- Over a million artifacts, documents, and photographs
- Temporary gallery: Glenbow at The Edison — free admission
- Asian sculptures, Inuit art, contemporary exhibitions
Heritage Park Historical Village: A living history museum
- Canada's largest living history museum
- 127 acres, over 200 exhibits
- Cost
- Adults: $39.95 + GST
- Children (3–15): $27.95 + GST
- Seniors (65+): $31.95 + GST
- 75% discount with Fee Assistance program
TELUS Spark Science Centre: An interactive world of science
- Interactive exhibits, Infinity Dome
- Cost
- Adults: $32.95
- Youth: $23.95
- Seniors: $29.95
- Children under 2 — free
Studio Bell: Canada's National Music Centre
- Five floors, exhibits of musical icons, music creation studio
- Cost:
- Adults: $24.50
- Students/seniors: $19.50
- Youth (4–12): $16.50
- Children under 3 — free
The Military Museums: Canadian Military History
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- Second largest military museum in Canada
- Interactive exhibits: trenches, mission briefing
- Cost:
- Adults: $17
- Youth/students/seniors: $7
- Children under 3 — free
Specialized and cultural museums
Ukrainian Museum of Canada – Calgary Collection
- Location: St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor, 404 Meredith Rd NE
- Embroidery, pysanky, folk art
- Admission by donation
- Open: Tuesday (10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.), Sunday — after service
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
- Symbol of Calgary's Chinatown
- Dr. Henry Fok Cultural Hall — equivalent to the Temple of Heaven
- Free admission
Tsuut'ina Nation Culture Museum
- Address: 9911 Chiila Blvd
- History, traditions, and culture of the Tsuut'ina people
- Cost:
- Adults: $12
- Youth: $6
- Seniors: $8
- Children under 4 — free
The Hangar Flight Museum
- Address: 4629 McCall Way NE
- History of aviation in Western Canada
- Cost:
- Adults: $14.29
- Students (12–17): $10.48
- Seniors: $10.49
- Children (3–11): $7.62
- Children under 2 — free
Free and affordable museums
Contemporary Calgary
Astropsychologist
- Contemporary art, old planetarium
- Free First Thursdays — first Thursday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Calgary Central Library
- Free resources, events, access to books and workshops
- Newcomer Artist in Residence program
Esker Foundation
- Free art gallery in the Inglewood neighborhood
- Local and international exhibitions
Special programs and discounts for newcomers
Canoo Pass
- For new Canadian citizens (within 1 year)
- Free access to 1,400+ attractions
Canada Strong Pass
- Until September 2, 2025:
- Free for people under 17
- 50% discount for people aged 18–24
Calgary Attractions Pass
AM Goldsmith
- 10–25% discounts on admission to popular attractions
Sun Life Financial Arts + Culture Pass
- Free tickets for low-income individuals through the library and Calgary Recreation
Seasonal and Special Events
- Family Day (third Monday in February) — free admission to Lougheed House and others
- Summer Programs — free admission for children, 50% discount for youth
Practical Tips
Planning your visit
- Start with free or low-cost options:
- Glenbow at The Edison
- Contemporary Calgary
- Calgary Central Library
Transportation
- Public transportation: buses and CTrain
- The Calgary Transit app helps with route planning
Language support
- Tours and information in many languages
- 311 service — translation in 200+ languages
Family accessibility
Ukrainian Mechanic
- Many museums offer family tickets
- TELUS Spark, Heritage Park, Calgary Zoo — especially popular with families
Organizations supporting newcomers
Immigrant Services Calgary
- Programs for children, teens, parents, seniors
Centre for Newcomers
- Language courses (LINC), employment programs, citizenship
Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)
- Support for immigrant women from 140+ countries
Cultural significance and integration
- Heritage Park — understanding the history of Western Canada
- Fort Calgary — birthplace of the city
- Ukrainian Museum / Chinese Cultural Centre — multicultural identity
- Contemporary Calgary / Esker Foundation — artistic expression
Calgary is more than just a city. It is an opportunity for every newcomer to find themselves in Canada's cultural space.