Canada
Alberta
Foothills County
Millarville
Things to do in Millarville
Leighton Art Centre
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Leighton Art Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
Leighton Art Centre
4.5
12 reviews
#3 of 6 things to do in Millarville
Art Galleries • Art Museums
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10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
The Leighton Art Centre is an Art Gallery, Museum and Arts Education Centre located on 80 acres just outside of Calgary, near Millarville in Alberta's Foothills County. Situated in the original home of artists A.C. Leighton and Barbara Leighton, the centre houses a vibrant display of Alberta’s artists, both past and present. The Leighton Art Centre was established by Barbara Leighton in 1970 and was incorporated as a society in 1974. Today the LAC is open to the public year-round and offers a wide range of programming including regularly changing contemporary art exhibitions, annual art sales, special events, Art & Nature workshops, and field trips and summer camps for kids.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
12 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Paul Edwards
1 contribution
Closed to visitors for undisclosed reasons
Sep. 2021 • Couples
We drove out to the Leighton Centre on the last Thursday in September and arrived in the early afternoon. We know from visits years ago that it’s a beautiful place. According to the Art Centre’s website it was open for visitors. However, in fact it was closed with forbidding-looking signs at the entrances reading “No Trespassing/Security on Site”. We’re guessing that this may have had to do with staffing issues, or else that we chose national “Reconciliation Day”. We recommend phoning first. If you should encounter a similar experience to ours, you might consider the Anne and Sandy Cross Conservation Area near Priddis. No art at A & S Cross, but wonderful hiking. 🙂
Written September 30, 2021
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.
VStroich
Calgary, Canada17 contributions
Natural beauty and great art!
Aug. 2021 • Friends
What a glorious place! The property has some of the most beautiful views in the foothills and the gallery and museum space in the house are so charming! We really enjoyed the art on display and will be back to see new artists as their exhibits change. The gift shop is also one of the best I have seen with stunning local art and craft at a range of price points. Highly recommend a visit!
Written September 6, 2021
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.
Rambling
Calgary, Canada5 contributions
Worth the drive
Jul. 2020
Worth the weekend drive for the art, the views, the giftshop, and just poking around. I really enjoyed my weekend visit and viewing the different art, even if I couldn't afford 99% of it. It was a pleasure to see different artists' take on the Canadian nature. Some truly beautiful art depicting Alberta's wonderous mountains, prairies, and open skies. I would highly recommend this gallery to international travellors too,, and anyone who likes art, nature, and the spirit of creativity. The colours of the paintings, the vibe, the natural space, and building were just such a treat after a long period of isolation. A lovely destination. There are two ways of accessing, so check your map and plan your route. I wouldn't recommend this as a destination for families with lots of children. Maybe a parent with a child that's into art is better. I would visit again, in spring and fall. It's location is like finding treasure in the middle of the rolling hills. You can easily spend an hour here, or more, depending on what you like. Easily half a day, with the drive, exploring, looking athe building, the paintings, the other art, the gardens, etc.
Written September 6, 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.
1_4_adventure
Calgary, Canada277 contributions
Definitely recommend for a weekend drive in the country.
Jun. 2020
My wife and I decided to visit the Leighton Art Centre on a Saturday as we took a drive in the country.

The Gallery and Museum features a brief overview of the history of A.E. and Barbara Leighton, as well as pieces from many local artists. The gallery had some fabulous pieces that highlighted local landscapes (Prairie and Rocky Mountains). The views of the Rockies from the property to the west was spectacular! This would be an incredible place to visit in the Fall. We were a bit disappointed with the trail system (or lack of) for the bird house walk (maybe it was our fault, because we could see the bird houses, but no trails to get to them were obvious), but it would have been a really nice little hike as the wild flowers were blooming...

Definitely recommend for a weekend drive in the country.
Written June 20, 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.
pjanders93
Okotoks, Canada16 contributions
Lovely Gallery and Gift Shop
Jul. 2019
We stopped in with a guest on our way to Bragg Creek in the summer. Leighton Art Centre is in the middle of no where but a great venue to appreciate art and the view of the Rockies in the distance. Best to visit in the Spring and Summer. The gift shop has many beautiful objects that range from very expensive to quite reasonable. Most seemed to be Canadian and many were from Alberta artists. The story of the Leightons who founded the gallery and donated the property is well explained. Classes are offered and they have sales of unframed art in the fall and spring.
Written November 17, 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.
Uwe B
Calgary, Canada6 contributions
Christmas in the Country Art Sale
Nov. 2019
This was the second year in a row that I attended this event. Enjoyed every minute of browsing through the hundreds of art works that are for sale. Many were truly stunning!

A wonderful Sunday drive destination.
Written November 5, 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.
Amanda M
Hello Uwe and thank you for your lovely review of Leighton Art Centre. We're so glad that you joined us at Christmas in the Country and loved the art; we're very proud to have so many talented artists and artisans in our membership. We're busy getting ready for Christmas in the Country festivities to continue on November 9th & 10th. We have a number of exhibitions each eyar and our Clothesline Art Sale kicks off summer during the first weekend in June - come back and see us again soon!
Written November 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy R
Calgary, Canada180 contributions
Small Gallery, and Art Centre for Students
Sep. 2018 • Couples
WE attended an open house and were surprised by this Centre. Leighton travelled and painted for the CPR so a great many historic posters, and works of art. Lots of explanations about his life and the times. It was magical to be in Leighton's home where he lived and painted. The view was outstanding and students were there painting it and displaying their work.
Written October 3, 2018
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.
Amanda M
Hi Wendy and thank you very much for your review of Leighton Art Centre. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visit to Leighton, including our amazing view and the Leighton's fascinating history. Our gallery exhibitions change regularly; please come back and see us again soon! If you live in the area, you may like to join us for an art workshop in our historic education centre too!
Written October 4, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laurinska
Calgary, Canada238 contributions
Paradise so close to the city
Nov. 2016 • Couples
We went out for the Christmas Art Sale, and did a walk through the Leighton house and grounds. The centre brings together fine artists, and the surrounding property is open to take walks on. The silver Lisa Brawn horse sculptures (recycled coin operated horse you used to see in front of stores) are on display on a hill side over looking a gorgeous valley. It was a really nice afternoon out, and totally worth the drive, which is only about 15 minutes from Hwy 22x and Macleod Trail.
Written November 12, 2016
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.
CharErinazard
Calgary, Canada224 contributions
Lovely spot to visit on the way to the Millarville Market
Nov. 2016 • Couples
We stopped by this place on a recommendation from a friend on our way to the Millarville Christmas Market and had a lovely time. It's a really beautiful old house filled with incredible local artwork. Admission is by donation. While we were there we got to see the Helios solar powered horse installation and it was breathtaking. The view of the foothills from this area is beautiful as well. We wound up staying for a couple of hours. It is a long drive from Calgary but if you pair it with another trip like we did (to the Millarville Xmas Market) then it is definitely worth it.
Written November 10, 2016
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.
MCCanadian
Edmonton, Canada22 contributions
Leighton Art Centre a Little Known Gem
Sep. 2016 • Friends
Beautiful gallery of art by AC and Barbara Leighton and associates. Property also has a spectacular view of the Rockies on a clear day and walking paths with art installations at points along the way. Lovely way to spend an afternoon. Driving directions from Calgary on the website worked better than our GPS. A fellow visitor, a Calgarian, has gone back a few times since then to see the fall colours.
Written November 1, 2016
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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LEIGHTON ART CENTRE (Millarville) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Leighton Art Centre
Leighton Art Centre is open:
  • Tue - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.