The Family of Man
Monumental bronze sculptures from Expo '67, uniquely arranged to convey human connection. A striking public art piece.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light on sculptures
The Family of Man
Best Time
Golden hour light on sculptures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Monumental bronze sculptures from Expo '67, uniquely arranged to convey human connection. A striking public art piece.
"Visually arresting due to their impressive height and tender gestures."
Bring a Seat! 🪑
Limited seating available; consider bringing a portable chair or blanket for comfort.
Sunset Magic 🌅
Visit during sunset for stunning light on the bronze figures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Towering Figures
Massive bronze sculptures with a unique, distorted style, conveying tender gestures.
Sunset Views
The sculptures are particularly striking against the warm hues of a Calgary sunset.
Accidental Artistry
Appreciate the unique arrangement by municipal staff, a collaboration with the sculptor's intent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sculpture's Story & Setting
Best Viewing & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Seat! 🪑
Limited seating available; consider bringing a portable chair or blanket for comfort.
Sunset Magic 🌅
Visit during sunset for stunning light on the bronze figures.
Night Viewing Note 🌙
Sculptures are not lit at night, impacting visibility for photos.
Maintenance Check 🚧
Area upkeep can vary; be prepared for potential cleanliness issues.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Seat! 🪑
Limited seating available; consider bringing a portable chair or blanket for comfort.
Sunset Magic 🌅
Visit during sunset for stunning light on the bronze figures.
Night Viewing Note 🌙
Sculptures are not lit at night, impacting visibility for photos.
Maintenance Check 🚧
Area upkeep can vary; be prepared for potential cleanliness issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Family of Man sculptures visually striking and appreciate their imposing size and unique artistic style. The sunset views are particularly praised. However, some reviewers note that the surrounding area could benefit from better maintenance and more seating. +1
"The Family of Man Sculpture is a fascinating installation with a unique design that feels both artistic and symbolic. The towering figures are striking and definitely worth seeing up close. However, the area around the sculptures could use more care and maintenance, as it felt a bit neglected and not as clean during my visit. With better upkeep, this spot would stand out even more as one of Calgary’s most interesting public art displays."
Ian Carlo Medina
"I love it. However, I think it needs more seating bench to make the area safer and usable for the public."
Shay
"The Family of Man was originally created for the British Pavilion at the 1967 Montreal Expo, part of an exhibit portraying British contributions to the world. After the Expo the collection of ten bronze statues was bought at auction by businessman Maxwell Cummings and subsequently donated to the city of Calgary. Since there were no directions regarding how the statues should be placed, the staff in charge of the installation decided to arrange them in a ring of seven surrounding a group of three, with some of the statues gently touching each other with outstretched hands. None of these relationships between the statues were present in their original installation at the Expo, so the current artwork represents an accidental collaboration between the sculptor and the unnamed municipal employees who positioned the statues. It is unknown if Spanish sculptor Mario Armengol was aware of the fate of his creations or how he felt about it, and it is far too late to ask as he died in 1995.
Even more than most artwork, this installation has no correct interpretation as the statues themselves are the creation of one man, and their arrangement is the work of other individuals who had no communication with the sculptor. I found them to be visually arresting due to their impressive height (more than six meters), their Giacometti-like distortion, and their conspicuous nudity. On closer inspection their tender gestures towards each other (the work of the installers, not the sculptor) amid the glowing sunset created a sense of warmth that belied the harsh Calgary winter."
Tony F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Family of Man is located in Calgary, Alberta. Public transport options are available, and driving is also feasible with nearby parking. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
Parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability in the vicinity before your visit.
Depending on your starting point in Calgary, walking might be an option. The sculptures are a public art installation, so accessibility is generally good within the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Family of Man is a public art installation and is free to visit.
As an outdoor public art installation, The Family of Man is accessible at all times. However, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best viewing experience.
There is no admission fee to view The Family of Man sculptures. It's a free public art display.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographs of the sculptures.
While you can visit at night, the sculptures are not illuminated, which can make photography challenging.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and the art installation itself.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
It's a collection of ten large bronze statues, originally from Expo '67, arranged in a unique configuration in Calgary.
The sculptures represent humanity and are notable for their imposing size and the 'accidental' arrangement by municipal workers, creating new relationships between the figures.
Children can appreciate the large size of the sculptures. However, the area's maintenance and lack of seating might be considerations.
Information on public restrooms directly at the sculpture site is limited. It's best to plan accordingly or check nearby facilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the sculptures are a public art installation and accessible, the surrounding grounds might not always be perfectly maintained, which is something to keep in mind. Visiting during daylight hours will allow for the best viewing of the details and the sculptures' impressive scale.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful that the sculptures are not lit at night, which can make nighttime photography difficult.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sculptures' Journey: From Expo to Calgary
What makes this installation particularly unique is its arrangement. There were no specific instructions from the sculptor on how the statues should be placed in Calgary. Municipal staff decided to arrange them in a ring, with some figures touching each other, a configuration not present in the original Expo display. This 'accidental collaboration' adds a layer of interpretation to the artwork, as the relationships between the figures were established by those who installed them, not the artist himself.
Visitors often find the imposing height of the sculptures (over six meters) and their Giacometti-like distortion striking. The conspicuous nudity of the figures, combined with the tender gestures they appear to share due to the installers' arrangement, creates a powerful visual narrative.
Experiencing The Family of Man: Tips for Visitors
Practical advice from visitors often highlights the need for comfort. Seating is scarce around the installation, so bringing a portable chair or a blanket is highly recommended, especially if you plan to linger and soak in the atmosphere.
For photographers, the late afternoon and sunset hours provide the most dramatic lighting. However, be aware that the sculptures are not illuminated at night, making evening photography more challenging.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit