Arts Commons Calgary
Calgary's premier multi-venue arts center, offering diverse theatre, music, dance, film, and visual art experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for live performances
Arts Commons Calgary
Best Time
Best for live performances
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Calgary's premier multi-venue arts center, offering diverse theatre, music, dance, film, and visual art experiences.
"Every seat in the theater has great views of the stage, and staff were extremely helpful."
🚗 Factor in Parking Time
Finding parking downtown can be tough. Allow an extra 15-20 mins for parking to avoid missing the start of your show.
🎶 Check Show Schedules
Arts Commons hosts a variety of events from theatre to concerts. Visit their website to see what's on!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Martha Cohen Theatre
Inside Arts Commons
Experience live performances in a venue praised for its excellent stage views and helpful staff.
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Inside Arts Commons
Enjoy concerts with acoustics that are noted as 'super' and a significant improvement over other venues.
Visual Art Galleries
Inside Arts Commons
Explore diverse visual art exhibitions that complement the performing arts offerings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Factor in Parking Time
Finding parking downtown can be tough. Allow an extra 15-20 mins for parking to avoid missing the start of your show.
🎶 Check Show Schedules
Arts Commons hosts a variety of events from theatre to concerts. Visit their website to see what's on!
👍 Helpful Staff
Reviewers consistently praise the helpfulness of the Arts Commons staff. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
🎤 Sound Quality
While sound quality is noted as better than some venues, some wish for upgrades. Enjoy the performances!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Factor in Parking Time
Finding parking downtown can be tough. Allow an extra 15-20 mins for parking to avoid missing the start of your show.
🎶 Check Show Schedules
Arts Commons hosts a variety of events from theatre to concerts. Visit their website to see what's on!
👍 Helpful Staff
Reviewers consistently praise the helpfulness of the Arts Commons staff. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
🎤 Sound Quality
While sound quality is noted as better than some venues, some wish for upgrades. Enjoy the performances!
🎨 Explore Visual Art
Beyond the stage, discover rotating visual art exhibits within the complex.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Arts Commons for its excellent venues like the Martha Cohen Theatre and Jack Singer Concert Hall, noting great stage views, helpful staff, and good acoustics. However, parking downtown can be a significant challenge, often requiring extra time to find a spot. Some also hope for further sound system upgrades in certain areas.
"The Martha Cohen Theater is a wonderful spot to spend an evening. We attended Made in Italy on opening night and everything was just perfect. Every seat in the theater has great views of the stage, there are multiple bars, staff were extremely helpful and the catering offered at the end of the show was delicious. Highly recommend this venue to catch a show!"
Karen Foster
"The inside of the place is very neat and organised. Every event I've attended here has been very smooth.
However, I wish the parking situation was given a little more attention too. Finding parking for any event is a nightmare, so always factor in extra 15-20 minutes."
Davinder Kaur
"Since moving to Calgary from Toronto I've missed going to musicals and live performances. It's been difficult to get passed the poor sound quality at other establishments but when I came here to watch a live production, this venues sound quality/system is much better. Although, it could be better, however, considering the fact that it's not as bad as other venues I'd consider this place a win.
I hope they upgrade and/or put more investment into a better sound system as it was very hard to hear the actors when they were speaking/singing on stage.
Can't wait for the next show at this venue!"
Joelle Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arts Commons is centrally located downtown at 205 8 Ave SE. It's easily accessible by public transit, including the C-Train which stops nearby at Olympic Plaza. Many visitors also choose to drive, but be prepared for potential parking challenges.
Yes, there are parking options nearby, but finding a spot can be difficult, especially during peak event times. It's advised to factor in an extra 15-20 minutes for parking. +1
The Calgary C-Train has a station at Olympic Plaza, which is a short walk from Arts Commons. Several bus routes also serve the downtown core, making public transit a convenient option.
Yes, you can be dropped off at the main entrance on 8th Avenue SE. This is a good option if you are using a taxi or ride-sharing service to avoid parking hassles.
Arts Commons is committed to accessibility. They offer accessible seating, elevators, and washrooms. It's recommended to contact them in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Arts Commons website, by phone, or in person at the box office. It's advisable to book in advance for popular shows.
Box office hours can vary. It's best to check the official Arts Commons website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and any potential closures.
Refund and exchange policies typically depend on the specific event and the terms set by the presenter. Review the ticketing information carefully when purchasing.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups, depending on the performance. Check the individual event listings on the Arts Commons website for any advertised promotions.
The Arts Commons Transformation is a major initiative to expand and modernize the facility, aiming to create new spaces and enhance the visitor experience.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Arts Commons hosts a wide array of performances, including theatre, music (concerts, opera), dance, comedy, and film. They also feature visual art exhibitions. 
The sound quality is generally considered good, with the Jack Singer Concert Hall receiving specific praise for its acoustics. Some visitors hope for further sound system upgrades.
Yes, there are usually bars available within the venue, and some events may offer catering services, particularly after shows.
The atmosphere is generally vibrant and engaging, with a focus on creating memorable experiences for attendees.
Photography policies vary by performance. Generally, flash photography is prohibited during shows to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. Check with venue staff for specific guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking for matinee performances, which are often scheduled on weekends and are ideal for younger audiences. The central location also makes it convenient to combine a visit to Arts Commons with other downtown family activities.
🎵 Music Lovers
Keep an eye on their event calendar for upcoming concerts, as popular shows can sell out quickly. The venue's commitment to quality sound ensures an immersive listening experience for all music lovers.
🎭 Theatre Aficionados
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended for popular theatre shows to ensure you don't miss out on these captivating live performances.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Arts Commons Transformation
The goal of the transformation is to enhance the visitor experience, increase capacity, and provide more versatile performance and exhibition areas. This includes creating new venues, improving accessibility, and integrating more public spaces within the complex. The project signifies a commitment to the future of arts and culture in Calgary, promising to deliver breathtaking moments and unforgettable experiences for all.
This transformation is expected to solidify Arts Commons' role as a vibrant cultural hub, fostering creativity and community engagement for years to come. It's an exciting development that will shape the artistic landscape of Calgary and offer new opportunities for artists and patrons.
Performance Venues at Arts Commons
The Jack Singer Concert Hall is renowned for its impressive acoustics, making it a premier venue for musical performances, including concerts and orchestral events. Visitors have praised its sound quality, often comparing it favorably to other venues.
These diverse venues allow Arts Commons to host an eclectic mix of programming, from touring Broadway shows and major concerts to local theatre productions and emerging artist showcases. The variety ensures there's something for every taste, contributing to its status as a dynamic cultural hub in Calgary.
Community and Artistic Engagement
The center also plays a role in arts education, with initiatives like art teacher workshops that reach out to schools across Calgary. Storytellers and educators use art to inspire creativity and open minds in students, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and thinkers.
Furthermore, Arts Commons provides platforms for local artists and creatives to share their work and processes. Events like those hosted by @artistsofyyc allow artists to connect with peers and the public, fostering a supportive and collaborative artistic community within Calgary.
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