Canada Guide
Alberta and the Rockies
Glenbow Museum
Address: 130-9th Ave SE
Opening time: Mon– Wed & Fri– Sun 9am–5pm, Thurs 9am–9pm
Price: $12
Website: www.glenbow.org
The excellent and eclectic collection of the Glenbow Museum is, the Stampede apart, the only sight for which you'd make a special journey to Calgary. Although it's opposite the Calgary Tower, the main entrance is hidden alongside the Skyline Plaza complex a short way east down the street (there's another entrance from the Stephen Ave Mall). Built in 1966, the no-expense-spared museum is a testament to sound civic priorities and the cultural benefits of booming oil revenues. Its three floors of displays make a fine introduction to the heritage of the Canadian west.
The permanent collection embraces the eclectic approach, starting with a section devoted to ritual and sacred art from around the world and an art gallery tracing the development of western Canadian indigenous art. Better still is the European art depicting the culture of aboriginal peoples. The second floor runs the gamut of western Canadian history and heritage, including an outstanding exhibit on First Nations or aboriginal peoples. The eccentric top floor kicks off with a pointless display of Calgary Stampede merchandising, before moving on to a huge collection of military paraphernalia and a dazzling display of gems and minerals, said to be among the world's best.