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Nickle Galleries

4.8
·35 reviews·Calgary, Canada

Free admission art gallery at UCalgary, showcasing contemporary Canadian art and Canada's largest numismatic collection.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more contemplative

CrowdLow
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Nickle Galleries - Image 1

Nickle Galleries

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more contemplative

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Free admission art gallery at UCalgary, showcasing contemporary Canadian art and Canada's largest numismatic collection.

4.8
(35 reviews)

"A must-visit for art lovers and history buffs, offering free admission and diverse, engaging exhibits."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Donations are welcome to support artists.

📍 Inside the Library

Nickle Galleries is located within the Taylor Family Digital Library on UCalgary campus.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 35 reviews

Type

Art Gallery

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Main Gallery Spaces

Discover thought-provoking contemporary art from emerging and established Canadian artists. Always fresh and engaging.

Numismatic Collection

Numismatic Collection

Upper Gallery

Explore Canada's largest collection of ancient coins and artifacts. A fascinating glimpse into history and culture.

Student Thesis Exhibitions

Student Thesis Exhibitions

Various Spaces

See the innovative work of UCalgary's fine arts students. A platform for new talent and bold artistic statements.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Pay What You Want

Enjoy incredible art without breaking the bank! Nickle Galleries offers free admission, with an option to 'pay what you want' to support local artists. This makes it an accessible art experience for everyone in Calgary. TikTok

Location & Hours

Nestled within the University of Calgary's Taylor Family Digital Library, Nickle Galleries is a unique spot. Check their hours before you go, as they can vary, especially around holidays or exhibition changes. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more contemplative
Crowd
Low
When
During Exhibition Openings
Why
Meet artists & community
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (Late Afternoon)
Why
Less busy than midday
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Support local art! #yyc first pay what you want art gallery! #calgary #artistpool #cool #fyp
@alamyyc
2.8K likes • 28.4K views

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Donations are welcome to support artists. TikTok

📍 Inside the Library

Nickle Galleries is located within the Taylor Family Digital Library on UCalgary campus. Instagram

Installing vinyl is a cinch when you're a pro. PEOPLE WE KNOW opens May 29 #NickleGalleries #PeopleWeKnow #ArtGalleries #Portraits
nicklegalleries
73 likes • 1.2K views
David Garneau exhibit ends April 22! Stop by Nickle Galleries (inside TFDL) Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 11am-4pm FREE! #WorldArtDay #IndigenousArt
ucalgarylibrary
8 likes • 458 views

🏛️ Numismatics Galore

Don't miss the impressive coin and artifact collection upstairs! Reddit

📸 Photo-Friendly

Capture the art! Many exhibits are great for photos, but always check for restrictions. Reddit

Where We Gather the Land Speaks — a Nickle Galleries exhibit curated by Werklund School of Education and Faculty of Arts student Sophie Garcia. This powerful exhibit features works by three Indigenous artists and UCalgary alumni, including #Werklund graduate Lori Scalplock. Garcia invites us to listen and experience Indigenous oral stories translated into art — reminding us that some of the most...
werklundschool
118 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Donations are welcome to support artists. TikTok

📍 Inside the Library

Nickle Galleries is located within the Taylor Family Digital Library on UCalgary campus. Instagram

🏛️ Numismatics Galore

Don't miss the impressive coin and artifact collection upstairs! Reddit

📸 Photo-Friendly

Capture the art! Many exhibits are great for photos, but always check for restrictions. Reddit

📅 Check Exhibition Schedule

Exhibits change regularly. Visit their website to see what's on before you go. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(35 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Nickle Galleries for its free admission and diverse, engaging exhibitions, particularly the contemporary art and the extensive numismatic collection. The friendly and professional staff enhance the experience, making it a highly recommended cultural stop within the University of Calgary. Some visitors note the gallery can be a bit tricky to find initially, but the rewarding exhibits make the search worthwhile.

"Nickle Galleries is a nice, quiet place to enjoy if you're interested in art! The Nickle Galleries is inside Calgary University. I work with individuals with mental & physical disabilities, and our center decided to take a mini field trip to the Nickle Galleries & every client enjoyed the art that was created by students in the gallery. It was a very quiet space & the lights were dimmed downstairs so everyone could feel the art, the lady who presented every piece of art mentioned to us all that the lady who created the art downstairs was an aboriginal individual who wanted to make her viewers feel her art & experience the peace with her art pieces (from my understanding).
It was a nice time & we captured some beautiful fotos."

Michelle

"We visited the Nickle Galleries in July 2019. I wanted to see the Numismatics collection there. The location was a bit difficult to find, but it was quite an impressive exhibit once we did. The bottom floor is dedicated to artwork, which was interesting to view. The top floor was at least in part dedicated to numismatics. The coins were beautifully displayed and I could have easily spent many hours just in that section. There are lockers downstairs for use to store your items. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there and will return."

Gail Onderwater

"My first visit of the Nickel Galleries was 2019 for MFA student exhibition, and recently I had an exhibition there.
This gallery is among the best, and the staffs are friendly, helpful and real professional."

Hesam Rezaei

What People Like

Free admission
Numismatic collection
Contemporary art

What People Dislike

Slightly hard to find

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nickle Galleries is located inside the Taylor Family Digital Library at the University of Calgary. You can reach the campus via public transit using Calgary Transit buses and the CTrain. Parking is also available on campus for those driving. Reddit

Yes, there are several paid parking lots and parkades available on the University of Calgary campus. Rates vary depending on the lot and duration of your stay. Reddit

Absolutely! The University of Calgary campus is well-served by Calgary Transit. Several bus routes stop directly on campus, and the University station on the CTrain's 201 line is also conveniently located. Reddit

The Nickle Galleries is generally accessible. The Taylor Family Digital Library has elevators and ramps. It's always a good idea to contact the gallery directly if you have specific accessibility needs. Reddit

The CTrain's 201 (Blue Line) has a University station. Many bus routes also serve the campus, including routes that connect to major transit hubs. Check the Calgary Transit website for the most up-to-date route information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Nickle Galleries offers free admission to all its exhibitions. They operate on a 'pay what you want' model, encouraging visitors to contribute if they wish to support the gallery and artists. TikTok

The opening hours typically align with the University of Calgary's academic schedule and can vary. They are generally open weekdays and some weekend hours. It's best to check the official Nickle Galleries website for the most current hours before your visit. Instagram

No advance booking is required for general admission. You can walk in during their operating hours. Special events or talks might require registration, so check their website for details. Reddit

Nickle Galleries frequently hosts new exhibitions, including contemporary art, student work, and their renowned numismatic collection. Visit their website's 'Exhibitions' section to see what's currently on and what's planned. Instagram

The numismatic collection is typically displayed in a dedicated area within the galleries. While it's part of the gallery's offerings, it's best to confirm its accessibility during your visit, as exhibition layouts can change. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a diverse range of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and installations. They also feature student exhibitions and their unique numismatic collection. Instagram+1

The numismatic collection, which is Canada's largest, is a permanent feature. While specific displays might rotate, the collection is generally accessible for viewing. InstagramReddit

While not always advertised, staff members are often available at the entrance to provide information about current exhibitions. Keep an eye out for any special guided tours or artist talks announced by the gallery. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted. Always look for signage or ask gallery staff if you're unsure about photo policies for a specific exhibition. Reddit

Yes, there are lockers available downstairs for visitors to store their belongings during their visit. This is convenient for carrying larger bags or coats. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography is allowed without flash. However, some exhibitions may have specific restrictions, so it's always best to check for signage or ask gallery staff. Reddit

Many contemporary art installations and the detailed numismatic displays offer excellent photographic opportunities. Look for vibrant colors, interesting textures, and unique compositions. Reddit

Yes, phone cameras are typically allowed for personal use, provided you adhere to the no-flash policy and any other exhibition-specific rules. Reddit

You can usually photograph the coins, but without flash to protect the artifacts. The detailed nature of the coins makes for fascinating close-up shots. Reddit

Explore the diverse range of contemporary art, from abstract pieces to intricate portraits. The historical coins also offer a unique subject matter. Instagram+1

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