10 Best Museums in Calgary

Discover “how the West once was” at Heritage Park Historical Village as you explore a pioneer Northwest Mounted Police outpost and a Main Street from 1910. The surrounding 127 acres is packed with hours of attractions, costumed actors, and over 200 exhibits. Sail on a ship, ride a train through the park, and buy bread at the turn-of-the-century bakery.

Next, return to the golden age of the car at Petrol Alley Museum with vehicles and artefacts from the early 20th century to the 1950s. Immerse yourself in a bustling street scene or view the vintage drive-in film display. Children can ride small vehicles on a mock roadway and don’t miss the array of different fuel pumps – it’s definitely a unique sight.

Step inside the iconic old city centre planetarium and surround yourself with modern works of art at Contemporary Calgary. Stunning indoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop for the rotating exhibitions from local, national, and international artists and the friendly staff are always on hand to help and talk through the exhibits. Daily guided tours are also available to ensure you make the most of your visit.

Watch a film in the observatory dome or listen to a talk from the distinguished speaker series. The largest space for modern art in Calgary, this museum is fast becoming a world-class destination for contemporary art.

Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre is a sight to behold, with 9 subtly curved and interlocking towers rising to the heavens. Clad in glazed terra cotta to reflect light and amplify sound, this hub for music and musical innovation is a museum, recording facility, live venue, and broadcast studio rolled into one.

Lose yourself in the sounds, stories, instruments, and artefacts of the past 450 years and relish in this unprecedented access to music history. Be amazed at the sheer size of the world’s only complete Rob Wave electromechanical organ – once at the forefront of electrical sound – and be inspired by Elton John’s white piano at which he composed his first 5 albums.

Ignite your sense of wonder by visiting TELUS Spark Science Centre and open the door to the world of science, technology, and innovation. With over 200 hands-on experiences, plenty of science demonstrations, and numerous shows in the huge dome theatre, it provides an interactive and sensory experience for children and adults alike.

Fly like a pterodactyl using a virtual reality headset or get acquainted with Flint the happy robotic dog. Let your inner child escape and play as you learn, embracing all that science, technology, engineering, art, and maths have to offer. And when you need a break, buy an ice cream – all named after the planets and with out-of-this-world flavours.

Discover the victories, tragedies, and sacrifices of the Canadian Forces at The Military Museums – the largest tri-service museum in Western Canada. Dedicated to representing Canada’s navy, army, and air force, the spacious and well-laid-out building houses a wealth of interesting artefacts, including real war planes and boats.

Walk through a First World War trench, experience life at the helm of a Second World War ship, or witness a bomber squadron’s mission over enemy territory. Ask the volunteers any question and be captivated by their first-hand account of life in the military and the events they have seen. Take the time to study the Mural of Honour – using a QR code you can learn the history of every image.

Discover the history and development of both the Police and the city of Calgary at Calgary Fort. Learn how and why the North-West Mounted Police were deployed to the area in 1875 and what it meant for both them and the Indigenous population. Let yourself be taken on a thought-provoking journey with informative and interactive fun along the way.

Try on a Mountie’s uniform and lock up members of your family in a cell as you explore the exhibits, including a traditional hospital and a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. Immerse yourself in the fascinating displays and understand how 2 worldviews collided, forever changing the people and the place.

Get up close and personal with Alberta’s fish and aquatic wildlife at Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingstone Fish Hatchery. Investigate 6 different aquatic ecosystems through tactile exhibits and sensory sound and lighting and observe over 20 fish species on display in freshwater aquariums.

Then head into the Fish Hatchery where you can feed thousands of rainbow trout all at once. Find out the lifecycle of a trout and discover what it takes to raise over 1 million of them each year. Learn to fish in the Trout Pond or wander through the Interpretive Wetlands. Whether you want to watch and listen or get your hands dirty, you’ll definitely feel closer to aquatic nature.

Embark on a journey of discovery at the Tsuut’ina Culture Museum as you delve into the rich history, spirituality, and customs of the Tsuut’ina people. Understand what the signing of Treaty 7 really involved and appreciate the wisdom and bravery of Chief Bullhead (whose homestead on the mountainside can be seen from the museum windows).

Artefacts, photographs, and living culture are all on display and each exhibit has its own unique storey to tell. The super friendly staff are incredibly knowledgeable and always ready to answer questions, but a one-hour tour is also available if you prefer to be guided. Just be sure to leave enough time to visit the gift shop, which is full of exquisite, handmade indigenous goods.

The largest museum in western Canada, Calgary’s Glenbow boasts an expansive and important collection that's focused on art, history, and Indigenous life. Enjoy rotating exhibits from esteemed Canadian artists including folk hero Maude Lewis, painter Gathie Falk, and First Nations sculptor Dempsey Bob.

The venue’s permanent archive showcases one of the largest indigenous collections in the country which includes objects from the people of the northwestern Plains like the Niitsitapi, Tsuut’ina, Cree, and Anishinabe. You’ll also discover an array of curiosities dating from the 1800s to present day including glass, textiles, jewellery, and ceramics.

Journey through 100 years of policing at the YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre and do your own investigating along the way. With over 50 artefacts, including police uniforms, equipment, and insignia, plus interactive displays and hands-on exhibits illustrating police history, detailing specialised units, and explaining crime prevention measures, each part is fascinating.

Try a real police car or motorcycle on for size, get your fingerprints analysed by an actual forensic fingerprint expert, or sit back and watch a police dog display. Whatever you choose, you’ll gain real insight into how police officers deal with crime and come away knowing how to make safe decisions. Plus, there’s a research and archive facility for true crime fans.