Best Arts and Culture Places in Downtown East Village

"Glenbow Museum is the best Calgary art gallery and museum for its vast collection of cultural items. The museum collects artworks from various Canadian artists and also allows other Canadian artists to donate their works to the gallery. Its collection contains textile pieces, portraits, sculptures, paintings, and other historical and artistic items celebrating Canada’s culture."

"There’s always something to see at the Glenbow Museum and is one of the best things to do in Calgary. Learn about the history of Alberta, explore the West African collection, and check out the rotating exhibit that always prove to be popular!. The Glenbow Museum always has an eye for great artists."

"A post shared by Jae K (@konzca) on Apr 15, 2018 at 8:36pm PDT. Glenbow Museum showcases Western Canadian arts and culture through historic and contemporary pieces. Enjoy the works of Frida Kahlo, and take a peek at John Will’s interesting photography — both exhibitions will be up until May 21."

"Held annually in July, the Calgary Stampede is a true Albertan institution and the source of the city’s Stampede City nickname. Each year, more than a million visitors attend the 10-day event, consisting of a parade, rodeo, derby, exhibition and market, which brands itself as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Even if you’re not in town at the right time of year to catch the show, you can still visit the park for a variety of other community-focused events aimed to promote the area’s traditional heritage."

"Another great introduction to the city’s growing art scene is Contemporary Calgary, a fusion of the Art Gallery of Calgary with its allies, the Museum of Modern Contemporary Art Calgary and the Institute of Modern and Contemporary Art. Formerly a planetarium, the iconic 1967 landmark recently underwent modernisation, and now plays host to a range of rotating exhibitions – among them, a scale model of the moon and artwork by Yoko Ono and John Lennon. Contemporary Calgary also hosts various distinguished speakers, as well as offering outreach and education programmes."

"This inspiring modern-art gallery has three floors of temporary exhibits that change every four months. The gallery is now in the former Centennial Planetarium in the southwest of Calgary, with displays of modern..."

"Esker Foundation is the best Calgary art gallery for its versatile approach to art. This art gallery houses innovative art pieces that ignite discussions among art enthusiasts. They also have video, audio, and book resources for your at-home art experience."

"This small, private art gallery hosts fabulous temporary exhibitions in its beautiful 4th-floor location. Past exhibitions have considered everything from immigration to the Northwest Passage. Check the website..."

"Most of the live music performances take place in the Jack Singer Concert Hall, which is the largest theatre and seats nearly 1,800. It’s the main performance space for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and it hosts plenty of local and touring musicians. Arts Commons also hosts music series including BD&P World Music, TD Jazz and PCL Blues."

"Arts Commons is one of Canada’s largest and most vibrant art centres. Based in the heart of Calgary’s Cultural District in the downtown core, it is a popular attraction for art and theatre lovers. The centre occupies a full city block and is home to five theatres and the world-class Jack Singer Concert Hall."

"Masters Gallery carries work by both contemporary and historical artists. Their selection of historical work stretches back over a century and contains many notable artists from Canada. They also carry a selection of contemporary artists that are well know in the Canadian art world."

"The art on display and for sale includes paintings, sculpture, photographic, and mixed media. Their HK INCUBATOR is a unique project in Calgary that exhibits non traditional works."

"This three-storey loft space features design items ranging from artwork to upholstery to furniture. Around 20 local artists, including Jason Eng, Luke Haynes and Michelle Miller, have their work featured here,. 104, 1212 13 St. S.E., 403-454-0243, dadeartanddesignlab.com"

"The Chinese Cultural Centre Museum is another big draw in Calgary. The museum features rare replicas of various Chinese artifacts, providing an educational experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Since the exhibition’s opening in 1994, the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum continues to draw tons of tourists each year."

"Inside this impressive landmark building, built by skilled Chinese artisans in 1993, you'll find a magnificent 21m-high dome ornately painted with 561 dragons and other imagery. Its design was inspired by..."

"Il Chianti Restaurant serves many of the dishes that are considered classics of Italian cuisine around the world. For over 35 years, this has been Calgary’s most famous Italian restaurant. This fine dining, family-owned restaurant has become a popular gathering spot for business lunches and social events."

"With tons of different pasta options, this family friendly restaurant is sure to have something for everyone. Check out their pasta specials on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. The staff is said to be great with kids and the atmosphere is vibrant making it less stressful to take the kids."

"Pick-up orders are 15 per cent off and orders of $100 or more get free delivery. 201 10 St. N.W., 403-283-5553, osteriamenu.com"

"What more could you ask for than spectacular pizza and an encyclopedic selection of wine, to enjoy on an outdoor patio that feels like a quaint European cafe?. Although small – and very busy during the summer patio season – if you can get a spot on the UNA Pizza + Wine patio it’s well worth it. Enjoy one of UNA’s top-notch pizzas and tapas until 1:00 am nightly."

"Una is all about big flavour, thin pizzas, and inventive toppings. UNA also works with Mealshare, a buy one give one organization, rotating their ‘MS pizza’ weekly!. Service: Order online here"

"The Pal, as many locals call it, is a rustic, raucous joint serving slow-roasted BBQ and live music. The Palomino Smokehouse is just as popular with the downtown lunch crowd as it is with those looking for everything from punk, rockabilly, glam, old school hip-hop, folk, metal, country and rock n’ roll at night. With two levels and a great summer patio, you can catch great shows at all hours in the best-smelling venue in town."

"The music in the Palomino’s basement covers everything from punk to rock to roots with the odd dance party. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is often live music upstairs, too. The Palomino is right on the train line, so it’s easy to get to if you don’t drive."

"That’s something that would make The King proud, maybe write a little tune about it. Stuffed with peanut butter, banana, and honey with bacon and maple syrup on top. Next time I’m totally going to try the Bourbon Apple Pulled Pork French Toast."

"Get your Calgary day off to a delicious start in the East Village neighborhood, with delectable pastries at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and top-notch coffee at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters. Tour Studio Bell, which houses Canada’s new National Music Centre, then head downtown to take in the city views from the landmark Calgary Tower. Around the corner, check out the excellent Glenbow Museum, which traces Calgary’s history and culture, and journey back in time at the Heritage Park Historical Village. For dinner, try one of the cool restaurants on 17th Avenue."

"What it is: More than just a bakery, this dine-in eatery offers a wide menu that also caters to vegetarians. Why go: The founder of this bakery, Aviv Fried, has the words “sour dough” tattooed on his fingers, displaying his passion for bread making to the world. Do you really need another reason to visit?"