Inglewood · Wednesday to Sunday · Free
Esker Foundation
Calgary's best contemporary art space, and it's free, parking included. Exhibitions change often and there's a scavenger hunt for kids. Pair it with an afternoon on 9th Avenue.
Downtown West · Wednesday to Sunday
Contemporary Calgary
Rotating exhibitions in the old Centennial Planetarium, a building worth the visit on its own. A different show on each floor, and the river paths are steps away.
Mission
Masters Gallery
Historic and contemporary Canadian art, from Group of Seven era work to living artists. Openings often include artist talks, and their custom framing is excellent.
Manchester · Tuesday to Saturday
Norberg Hall
One of the city's leading contemporary galleries, representing emerging, mid-career and established Canadian artists. Shannon Norberg has led it since it opened as Jarvis Hall in 2010, and her eye has placed work in major collections across the country.
Pro tip: Book a visit ahead, since viewings are by appointment.
Beltline
Wallace Galleries
One of the city's most respected galleries for Canadian art. Tell them what you love and they'll find the piece. They'll even hang it in your home.
Manchester
Gibson Fine Art
A stunning space of Canadian artists, sharing the building with Interior Living. Watch for their intimate evening events.
Beltline
Newzones
Contemporary Canadian art for nearly three decades. Go to an opening: new collections, the artists, and a glass of wine.
Beltline · Tuesday to Saturday
TrépanierBaer
The serious contemporary gallery in town since 1991, showing senior and mid-career Canadian and international artists alongside rediscovered modern masters. The place to see museum-level work up close.
Inglewood · Wednesday to Sunday
VivianeArt
Established Canadian and international contemporary artists on 9th Avenue, with a habit of bringing big names to Calgary. Open Sundays, so it fits an Inglewood afternoon.
Sunalta
Herringer Kiss Gallery
Thoughtful contemporary shows, and an owner who loves talking about the work. Catch an artist talk if you can.
Manchester
Christine Klassen Gallery
A bright, beautifully hung gallery with a framing and restoration studio in-house. Great events, too.
Inglewood · Open Sundays
The Collectors' Gallery
A quiet Inglewood favourite for contemporary Canadian art, with lots of local artists. Welcoming whether you're a serious collector or buying your first piece.