What museums in Calgary are worth visiting for newcomers?

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.