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Edmonton, Alberta
Alberta has a well-established reputation as an unrivalled destination for outdoor adventure – but did you know that its capital city, Edmonton, is a year-round mecca for culture buffs?
This month, exhibitions by Degas, Goya and Karsh herald the opening of the city’s newest architectural jewel. Randall Stout’s bold design for the stunning
has been welcomed with critical acclaim. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis and the sinuous curves of the North Saskatchewan River, the building’s foyer features an extraordinary juxtaposition of curved steel and natural light.
The momentum created by the gallery’s opening in late January continues through late winter into spring. From January 31-May 30, Canadian audiences have a rare opportunity to view masterpieces like the cast bronze sculpture of Degas’ Little Dancer, shipped from a private collection in Switzerland. Another exhibit delves into the technical prowess and composition behind famous portraits by internationally-renowned Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh.
The new building has almost doubled the space in the gallery, but it’s not just the extra square footage that makes these high calibre exhibitions possible. The construction of the building – documented in a series of spectacular photos by Edward Burtynsky – includes environmental controls that match the highest museum standards. It is now possible for the Art Gallery of Alberta to exhibit masterpieces from major galleries and museums around the world.
More cultural experiences in Edmonton
The new Art Gallery is only a first stop for those visiting Edmonton in search of cultural experiences. The city is known for its vibrant music culture. Professional performances by the take place in the , located close to the art gallery in downtown Edmonton’s arts district, near the stunning City Hall. Constructed in 1997, the cutting edge design of concert hall boasts some of the best acoustics in the world.
Visitors can also enjoy theatre, dance and opera throughout the year. The – the largest Fringe festival in North America – is the high point of the annual theatre season. The Northern Jubilee Auditorium hosts the , along with musical theatre spectacles like the upcoming off-Broadway musical,
.
Edmonton has long been renowned as a centre for the choral arts. In addition to blockbusters by , there are smaller scale performances and master classes by Opera Nuova, culminating in the annual
in May. The city is also home to a large number of world-class professional and amateur choirs. Inexpensive performances take place regularly in concert halls and the city centre’s beautiful and historic churches.
You can find out more about Alberta’s culture and heritage, book accommodation and plan your visit to Edmonton at .
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