Calgary Architecture
Surprisingly, Calgary is home to some outstanding architecture. It was so refreshing to see something other than rectangular glass and concrete boxes:
Calgary Central Library
Of all the structures we observed while walking around Calgary, I’d have to say that this one was my favourite: the Calgary Central Library. What a work of art this building is! It certainly spoke to my photographer’s soul – with all those gentle curves and angles, I could have shot hundreds of images.
The 240,000 square foot building has five levels that contain about 600,000 items. Extensive info and photos of the Central Library can be found here.
According to Wikipedia, as of 2012, Calgary Public Library is the second most used system in Canada (after the Toronto Public Library) and the sixth most used library system in North America. This despite the fact that the Calgary Public Library has one of the lowest per capita funding in the country, receiving as little as half the money of other Canadian public libraries.
Calgary Sculptures
Street art and sculptures are everywhere in the downtown core – here are just a few we encountered. Where possible I’ve noted the works’ Calgary street address or location.
By Harvey Nichol. In the lobby of Fifth Avenue Place, 222 5 Ave SW Calgary.
Biringan: A Myth Reimagined is a 9-foot-tall mixed-media assemblage sculpture that fuses ancient Filipino folklore with elements of futurism, creating a dynamic narrative that transcends cultural boundaries. The sculpture’s head represents Apolaki, the Sun God in the Tagalog mythology, embodying light, power, and resilience. Inspired by the mythical city of Biringan, which translates to “where one finds the lost,” this work imagines a futuristic city shrouded in mystery, a place where the forgotten, the displaced, and the lost are reborn in new forms. A city that exists beyond time.
The design of the sculpture also takes cues from the surrounding architecture of Calgary’s downtown core, where the angular shapes and towering forms of the city’s buildings influenced the sculpture’s sharp lines and geometric structures. The bronze patina-like colour scheme evokes the rich history of monuments like the Statue of Liberty which stands as a timeless symbol of hope, and the journey of immigrants seeking a new life.
The large-scale stainless-steel sculpture by Russian-born artist Kosso Eloul (1920-1995) was unveiled shortly after the completion of the building on September 10, 1982. Eloul’s work largely involves the inter-relationship of man-made and natural art forms. His large-scale works are widely recognized with representation in numerous public and private locations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Japan and China.
Outside the McDougall Centre
555 4th Avenue SW
By Joe Fafard. Harley Hotchkiss Gardens, 611 4th Street SW
By Don Begg. John Hunter (1874-1970) was a noted patriarch of the Chiniki band of the Stoney Tribe in Morley, Alberta. He was recognized for his business and ranching acumen and among other things, was commemorated by the Calgary Stampede Board in 1951.
By John McEwen. At intersection of 4th Avenue SW and 1st Street SW.
By John Seward Johnson. In Century Gardens, 826 8th Street SW.
Calgary Murals
Calgary is also home to a host of interesting murals. There are reportedly over one hundred murals in the city – here are just a few we encountered in the downtown core:
There was so much architecture, especially, that we didn’t see or seek out, but there can always be a repeat visit to this lovely city.
Love this Marvin and thanks. I will be in Calgary in a month and this will be helpful. Yes, the city has really upped its game on architecture and I am looking forward to reaping the benefits!
Excellent collection of shots of Calgary! Yes the architecture is quite interesting and original! Take note Toronto !!!