BMO Centre Expansion
When the spectacular $500-million expansion of Calgary’s BMO Centre opened to the world in June 2024, it established a world-class meeting place at the heart of The Culture + Entertainment District while setting a bold new precedent for convention facility form and function.
A look inside the project
Doubling the BMO Centre’s rentable area to over a million square feet, the expansion includes 100,000+ sq ft of new exhibition space, 38 new meeting rooms, two new ballrooms and a dramatic central gathering space. With a total occupancy of 33,000, it’s now the largest convention centre in Western Canada—making Calgary a top-tier convention destination and enabling The C+E to attract a global audience for meetings and conventions.
Inside and out, this new facility reflects today’s best practices in conference facility design. The interior spaces are ample and adaptable, meeting rooms are wired for instant connectivity, flexible breakout areas facilitate all-important human connections, and outdoor spaces invite attendees and Calgarians alike to experience the natural surroundings, diverse amenities and western hospitality Calgary is rightfully famous for.
- 1 million+total square feet
- LargestConvention Facility in Western Canada
- 102,500 SFNew Exhibit Hall
An exceptional building requires an exceptional piece of public art
At the entrance to the expanded BMO stands a 70-foot tall, 45-foot wide sculptural beacon called Spirit of Water by UK-based artist Gerry Judah. A new landmark in The C+E, Spirit of Water is a vivid artwork composed of more than 200 vertical steel tubes that form a dramatic “splash” of water.
Gerry Judah - a renowned international artist - has created many notable public art works over his career, including striking large-scale pieces for festivals, museums and public realms in the US, UK, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates.
“Together we will design and build a world-class facility that celebrates Calgary, captures the Stampede spirit and enlivens the city’s Culture and Entertainment District year-round.”
– BMO Centre Expansion Project Team Mission Statement
