Contemporary Calgary takes over old planetarium
What was once an educational science centre for children is being turned into a modern art gallery, as the City of Calgary announced Tuesday it will be renting out the Centennial Planetarium to Contemporary Calgary after $24.5 million in upgrades.
Contemporary Calgary will open the former science centre space on 11th Street S.W. as a contemporary art gallery to feature local artists and others from outside Alberta. But before the city leases the building, it will be involved in renovations to bring it up to modern safety codes.
“It really is an iconic building and whether you knew it as the planetarium or as the science centre, it has a special place in your heart and the heart of every Calgarian,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
“That’s why making it the home of Contemporary Calgary seems like such a great fit.”
The 25-year lease agreement has the opportunity for a 10-year extension and includes use of the entire property. However, the city still owns the property and part of its heritage inventory.
According to Nenshi, the agreement adheres to all of the city’s standards for partnerships with non-profit organizations, but the repairs are necessary before it can be rented.
“So the $25 million that the city is spending is basically to take an important historic asset of the city and bring it up to code,” he said. “It will be Contemporary Calgary ’s job to take it to the level to make it a world-class gallery.”
The goal of Contemporary Calgary is to engage residents with contemporary art, in collaboration with the Institute of Modern and Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of Calgary and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Jay Mehr, board chair of Contemporary Calgary, said this was an important step in solidifying the partnership with the city to move forward with the gallery.
“We are a movement of artists and dreamers, of people who believe both in the spirit and the possibility of Calgary,” said Mehr.
“This morning the Centennial Planetarium begins its next phase with a promise to again celebrate and show a path for our community’s creativity and shared humanity.”
The planetarium first opened in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial. It served as a science centre until Telus Spark opened in 2011.
Mehr said there are plans for an adjacent building in the future for higher-end art shows.
Nenshi is happy to see the building find a use that benefits the community like it once did.
“Ultimately, this is part of building stronger communities and helping achieve the vision of this city, which is to enable all Calgarians to live a creative life.”