Arts Commons
Arts Commons
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
This six-level complex hosts a variety of performances and exhibits ranging from experimental live theatre to art shows.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
30 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
12
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
SnowTraveller
Calgary, Canada16 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
I would love to be a regular patron but ridiculous lack of transport co-ordination.
I attended a function in this theatre complex with my companion (who has mobility challenges).
We had a friend drive us because I did not want to drive and have to park in a parkade a few blocks away.
Our friend had to drop us on a side street at a red light.
At the end of the show, we wanted to access a taxi but there was a no traffic zone in front of the theatre. We walked across the street to a restaurant for a meal and asked them to call us a cab.
They called but no taxi arrived because there was no place to park there either.
The waiter was sympathetic and said honestly the best strategy was to walk another block to the Hyatt Hotel and see if a taxi was available there. The train station was also nearby, but a train itinerary would have been difficult for my companion.
Fortunately, we found a taxi after walking the length of the main level of the hotel.
My companoin was exhausted at all of this meandering and search for a simple taxi.
What on earth is going on with this weird, abandoned district??
I have been to theatres in busy downtowns in large cities and the taxi/car service area is clearly marked and busy with coming and going.
I am fairly new to Calgary and disappointed at how little thought and care has gone into making the theatre district the jewel it should be for patrons of the arts.
I attended a function in this theatre complex with my companion (who has mobility challenges).
We had a friend drive us because I did not want to drive and have to park in a parkade a few blocks away.
Our friend had to drop us on a side street at a red light.
At the end of the show, we wanted to access a taxi but there was a no traffic zone in front of the theatre. We walked across the street to a restaurant for a meal and asked them to call us a cab.
They called but no taxi arrived because there was no place to park there either.
The waiter was sympathetic and said honestly the best strategy was to walk another block to the Hyatt Hotel and see if a taxi was available there. The train station was also nearby, but a train itinerary would have been difficult for my companion.
Fortunately, we found a taxi after walking the length of the main level of the hotel.
My companoin was exhausted at all of this meandering and search for a simple taxi.
What on earth is going on with this weird, abandoned district??
I have been to theatres in busy downtowns in large cities and the taxi/car service area is clearly marked and busy with coming and going.
I am fairly new to Calgary and disappointed at how little thought and care has gone into making the theatre district the jewel it should be for patrons of the arts.
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Professional-Pilgrim
Quebec, Canada1,345 contributions
Mar 2020
A wonderful group of theatres, large and small, as well as the huge Jack Singer Concert Hall. Be sure to try the Cravings Bistro on the ground floor. They serve a tasty variety of soups, salads, and desserts. Good coffee, too. Friendly service.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben B
Calgary, Canada14,150 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
While Arts Commons is unquestionably Calgary's most important arts hub, it's also a great people space with interesting things to see and do. Theatre is the mainstay, but the Philharmonic is also here. On the main level is a fine Cafe - Ca'Puccini. Being a critical link in the +15 System, there is a lot of foot traffic about, people walking to/from City Hall and the rest of downtown. When it's -30 outside, it's very appreciated. My favourite section of Arts Commons is the window down into the theatre set construction area - it's always different, and sometimes you see really cool things. Then there is the entire +15 Galleries link, that has 7 or 8 different window displays from different arts organizations. Even if you're not going to see a show, make sure you detour through here once on your visit to downtown Calgary.
Written September 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry M
Red Deer, Canada77 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
We saw Rory Block at the "Engineered Theatre" at the EPCOR Centre. An excellent venue for the concert. Very intimate setting with this small theatre.
Written May 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine W
34 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Incredible collective of art offerings and shows. Free to wander around. Unfortunately I couldn't afford to see a show but still enjoyed the architecture and atmosphere.
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alan a
Calgary, Canada1,071 contributions
Nov 2019
Our Philharmonic Orchestra ranks in the top 2 to 3 in Canada!
And it is amazing how many Calgarians have not enjoyed such
Impressive talent and professionalism.
You are a missing a significant YYC experience.
Our latest treat was the BOND series with MORGAN JAMES—
An exceptional vocalist.
We have never been disappointed with THE JACK!!
And it is amazing how many Calgarians have not enjoyed such
Impressive talent and professionalism.
You are a missing a significant YYC experience.
Our latest treat was the BOND series with MORGAN JAMES—
An exceptional vocalist.
We have never been disappointed with THE JACK!!
Written November 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Redgreenblack
Calgary, Canada403 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Saw another great show at the Martha Cohen Theatre. I have been a supporter of this arts centre for a great number of years - but I would pose the question; is it time for an upgrade and refit? I know dollars are hard come by for arts at this point, but the quality of a location directly affects the attendance stats and the "feel good factor" for the audience. I urge the powers at be to keep an eye on this aspect. Places like The Bella at Mount Royal are so much nicer to visit.
Written June 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben B
Calgary, Canada14,150 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Although there are wonderful performance venues at Arts Commons, it would be a shame to only experience this place in connection with a theatre visit. There's a great coffee place, and a couple of good places to grab a bite. I really like the Plus 15 level, with the Soundscape area, and the fascinating art on display in the Plus Window Galleries. Just a few steps away from Arts Commons are attractions like Olympic Plaza, and fine dining places like Teatro. And two blocks away are the Calgary Tower and the fabulous, must-see New Central Library. So rain or shine, it's a great place to spend some time.
Written May 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissKitty2014
Calgary, Canada20 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Every seat in the house is a good one. Sat in the loge for the classic albums live concert. Wonderful acoustics.
Written April 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boris E
Staunton, VA949 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
A great venue for Calgary's Philharmonic Orchestra, Arts Commons is centrally located in Downtown Calgary. We were fortunate to attend the Sultans of Strings' performance and loved the location, venue and accessibility to several bars and restrooms in the location. Even though there were several individuals and the place was packed, everything was accessible and no need to make extreme lines for anything. I would definitely recommend for anyone interested in wanting to experience high quality performances.
Written February 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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