In a city that’s constantly changing, there’s something oddly comforting about finding a place that still feels connected to Calgary’s past, and the Grand is one of those places. Between the vintage architecture, the dramatic staircase, and over 100 years of history packed into the space. Stepping inside almost feels like walking onto the set of an old movie.
A theatre that was ahead of its time
According to the Grand, the theatre originally opened on Feb. 5, 1912. It’s crazy to think about, but at the time, Calgary was still a much smaller city with a population of only 50,000.
Senator James Lougheed wanted Calgary to have a world-class entertainment venue, so he teamed up with architect L.R. Wardrop to make it happen.
But a major part of the theatre’s history also comes back to Belle Lougheed, who was a major supporter of the arts and helped shape theatre into the cultural space it would eventually become.
When the Grand first opened, it was considered incredibly iconic for the area. The theatre featured electric lighting, automatic sprinklers, and even dressing rooms with hot and cold running water, which was kind of a big deal back in 1912. At the time, it was also considered to be the largest theatre in the country.
For a city that was still relatively young at the time, the theatre quickly became one of Calgary’s biggest entertainment and social hubs. People gathered there not only for the performances, but for the entire experience of dressing up, heading downtown and spending a night at one of the most impressive venues in the city.
And unlike many historic buildings that slowly fade over time, the Grand has stood strong through it all. Over the years, the theatre has lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, a major fire in 2004, the 2013 Calgary flood, and the 2020 pandemic. Despite all this, it has remained an important part of Calgary’s cultural scene.
Today, it’s still very much alive. Visitors can walk through its historic doors and catch live performances, film screenings, and events that keep the space feeling just as vibrant as it did a century ago.
In a city that’s filled with new buildings and modern spaces, the Grand is one of the best reminders of Calgary’s past.
When: Open Monday to Friday
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 608 1st St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Cost varies based on performances
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