Gibbs Gage and KPMB transform Calgary's Centennial Planetarium into art gallery
by Lauren Heath-Jones | 23 Dec 2019
The re-imagination of the Centennial Planetarium – an icon of optimism – into a dynamic, game-changing cultural hub, is an ideal project of architecture in our time.
– Bruce Kuwabara
The Contemporary Calgary art gallery is set to reopen next month following the first phase of a $92m (€83m, £71m) transformation and expansion of its home at the former Centennial Planetarium, carried out by Gibbs Gage Architects and KPMB Architects.
Known for its brutalist architecture, with an imposing concrete dome atop the main structure, the building is having its existing spaces renovated and a new wing constructed.
The first phase of the project, including the renovation of a 7,000sq ft (650sq m) gallery, has recently been completed and will be opened to the public on 23 January 2020.
The next phase will see the construction of a 10,000sq ft (930sq m) gallery and an adjacent 3,000sq ft (280sq m) gallery, rooftop sculpture garden and event space.
A new entrance pavilion, a café-style restaurant and new open spaces will also be constructed.
Bruce Kuwabara, partner at KPMB and design-lead on the project, said: "The re-imagination of the Centennial Planetarium – an icon of optimism – into a dynamic, game-changing cultural hub, is an ideal project of architecture in our time."
Contemporary Calgary Centennial Planetarium Calgary Canada Giggs Gage Architects KPMB Architects Yoko Ono John Lennon
A new entrance pavilion, a café-style restaurant and new open spaces will also be constructed / Gibbs Gage Architects / KPMB Architects
Contemporary Calgary is housed in the Centennial Planetarium and will open to the public on 23 January 2020
Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon, a scale model of the moon suspended from the ceiling, will be on display until 15 March 2020
The Contemporary Calgary art gallery is set to reopen next month following the first phase of a $92m (€83m, £71m) transformation and expansion of its home at the former Centennial Planetarium, carried out by Gibbs Gage Architects and KPMB Architects. Known for its brutalist architecture, with an imposing concrete dome atop the main structure, the building is having its existing spaces renovated and a new wing constructed. The first phase
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