Wonderland Sculpture
A colossal wire-mesh girl's head, this iconic sculpture offers a surreal, dreamlike interior experience in downtown Calgary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Wonderland Sculpture
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal wire-mesh girl's head, this iconic sculpture offers a surreal, dreamlike interior experience in downtown Calgary.
"Step inside and the world feels quiet and dreamlike, a moment of genuine wonder and reflection."
🚶♀️ Walk Inside!
Don't just admire from outside; step inside for a unique, quiet, and dreamlike experience.
📸 Quick Photo Op
Perfect for a fast, memorable photo. Many visitors spend just 5-10 minutes here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Wire-Mesh Head
In front of The Bow Building
A colossal, intricate wire-mesh sculpture of a young girl's head, it's a striking modern icon.
Inside the Sculpture
Within the sculpture
Step inside for a surreal, dreamlike experience with shifting light and a quiet, meditative atmosphere.
Changing Perspectives
Around the sculpture
View the sculpture from different angles to see how its facial gestures and overall appearance transform.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Inside the Wonder
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Inside!
Don't just admire from outside; step inside for a unique, quiet, and dreamlike experience.
📸 Quick Photo Op
Perfect for a fast, memorable photo. Many visitors spend just 5-10 minutes here.
🚇 Free Downtown Transit
Use Calgary's free CTrain downtown loop to easily reach the sculpture.
✨ See it Lit Up
Visit at night to see the sculpture beautifully illuminated for a magical effect.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Inside!
Don't just admire from outside; step inside for a unique, quiet, and dreamlike experience.
📸 Quick Photo Op
Perfect for a fast, memorable photo. Many visitors spend just 5-10 minutes here.
🚇 Free Downtown Transit
Use Calgary's free CTrain downtown loop to easily reach the sculpture.
✨ See it Lit Up
Visit at night to see the sculpture beautifully illuminated for a magical effect.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Wonderland Sculpture is widely praised as an iconic and visually striking piece of public art in Calgary. Visitors love the unique experience of walking inside, finding it a serene and dreamlike escape. Its accessibility and photogenic nature make it a popular quick stop for locals and tourists alike. Some find it to be a brief attraction, while others appreciate its artistic merit and contribution to the city's landscape.
"This Sculpture is also known as " Big Head" has become the icon of Calgary ! I was told it's a young girl's head. The amazing part is, if you look at it from different directions , you can see a different face gesture . The place is easy to reach, we took the street train for free ( downtown section is free for everyone) , only one stop, local people told us to get off the train and showed us how to walk there. A very nice experience.
It's a pity that we didn't know that we could go inside the Sculpture to take a look. We only took photos outside.
All downtown places are easy to reach , you can visit this one on the way to the Calgary Tower ."
Helen HL Leung
"The Wonderland Sculpture also known as The Big Head, is one of Calgary’s most iconic public art pieces. Standing 12 meters tall in front of the Bow Building, this wire-mesh sculpture of a young girl’s head is both surreal and serene. What I love most is how it transforms depending on where you stand, step inside and the world feels quiet and dreamlike.
From the outside, it's a striking architectural statement that draws you in with curiosity. But step inside, and you're transported into something almost meditative – the bustling city noise seems to fade away, replaced by a dreamlike tranquility that's both unexpected and deeply moving. The interplay of light and shadow through the mesh creates an ever-changing interior atmosphere throughout the day.
Located perfectly in front of the Bow Building, it's easily accessible and makes for incredible photos, but more importantly, it offers a moment of genuine wonder and reflection in the heart of our busy city. Whether you're a local looking for a peaceful pause or a visitor exploring Calgary's art scene, this sculpture delivers an experience that stays with you long after you leave."
Ramdas Menon
"Suggest spending only 5-10 mins for quick pics here. We drove by and parked on the road. Ran and did a few quick pics before heading to the next stop."
Nick Chung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wonderland Sculpture is conveniently located in downtown Calgary, in front of The Bow Building. Many visitors use Calgary's free CTrain downtown loop, taking it just one stop to get close. It's also easily walkable if you're exploring the downtown core.
While street parking might be available, it can be limited. Driving by and finding a quick spot for photos is possible, but relying on public transit or walking is often more convenient for exploring the area.
Yes, the sculpture is a public art installation and can be viewed 24/7. However, for the best photographic opportunities and to experience its illuminated state, visiting during daylight or evening hours is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Wonderland Sculpture is a free public art installation. There are no tickets or admission fees required to view it from the outside or to walk inside.
As an outdoor public art piece, the Wonderland Sculpture is accessible at all hours. However, the surrounding area and The Bow Building have their own operating hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Experiment with different angles! From afar, it's a striking landmark. Get closer to capture the intricate wire details. Don't forget to step inside for unique interior shots with the city framed by the mesh.
Absolutely! Walking inside the sculpture offers a unique perspective, allowing you to capture the city through the wire mesh and experience the meditative atmosphere.
Daylight hours provide natural light for clear shots, while evenings offer a magical view when the sculpture is illuminated. Consider the golden hour for soft, warm lighting.
For daytime shots, a standard phone camera or DSLR will work well. For evening shots, a tripod can help capture sharper images in low light. 
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The Wonderland Sculpture, also known as 'The Big Head,' is a 12-meter tall wire-mesh sculpture of a young girl's head by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It's become an iconic landmark in Calgary, celebrated for its unique design and the immersive experience it offers.
Yes, you can walk inside the sculpture! This is a highlight for many visitors, offering a quiet, dreamlike space with unique views of the surrounding city.
Most visitors find 5-10 minutes sufficient for quick photos from the outside. However, if you plan to go inside and truly soak in the experience, allow an additional 10-15 minutes.
The sculpture represents humanity and human potential, created and fostered by dreams. It's designed to evoke feelings of wonder and reflection in visitors.
The sculpture is at ground level and accessible for walking inside. The surrounding area is also generally flat and easy to navigate for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The intricate wire-mesh detail, the play of light and shadow, and the unique framing of the city from within provide diverse shooting possibilities. 🚶♀️ Urban Explorers & Day-Trippers
It's an easy addition to a walking tour, especially since it's accessible via the free CTrain line. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Jaume Plensa
His use of materials like stainless steel, bronze, and in this case, bent wire, allows for both monumental presence and delicate detail. The 'Wonderland' piece, specifically, is a portrait of a young girl from Plensa's native Barcelona, symbolizing youth, potential, and the power of imagination. Plensa's sculptures often invite interaction, and 'Wonderland' is a prime example. The decision to make it hollow and accessible allows viewers to step inside, transforming the artwork from an object of observation into an immersive environment. This creates a personal connection, where the bustling city outside fades away, replaced by a quiet, introspective space. The interplay of light and shadow filtering through the wire mesh further enhances this dreamlike quality, making each visit a unique sensory experience.
Experiencing 'Wonderland' from Within
From within, the city's sounds are muffled, and the visual field is framed by the delicate lines of the sculpture. It's a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the art from a completely different perspective. Many find it to be a peaceful escape, a brief respite from the daily grind. The experience is further enhanced by the ever-changing light throughout the day, making each visit potentially different.
Wonderland as a Calgary Icon
+1 The sculpture's unique design and the interactive element of walking inside have made it a popular spot for photos and a must-see on any Calgary itinerary. Locals affectionately refer to it as 'The Big Head,' a testament to its integration into the city's identity.
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