Populous-Designed BMO Centre Officially Opens in Calgary

The expansion added 565,000 sq. ft. total including more than 100,000 sq. ft. of new exhibition space, 38 new meeting rooms, two new ballrooms totaling 70,000 sq. ft., and a dramatic central gathering space called the Exchange that features a 70-foot-tall indoor fireplace. Outside, the 100,000 sq. ft. public plaza showcases a 170-foot curved canopy, a 70-foot-tall Spirit of Water public art sculpture and a dedicated performance space on the Grand Staircase.

Our team at Populous, alongside Stantec and S2, was proud to work with Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) and Calgary Stampede to help bring this world-class convention center to life. After more than a decade of planning and four years of construction, the expansion’s designs are inspired by the region of Calgary and the surrounding prairies, drawing on elements such as the sculpted riverbanks of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, the rolling foothills that transition into the Rocky Mountains, and the pioneering spirit of the Calgary Stampede.

The three-level building features a sweeping composite metal panel façade and roofline, highlighted by a 170-foot curved canopy that seamlessly extends to the outdoor public realm, drawing visitors to the facility’s primary entrance and grand staircase. The underside of the canopy also features thousands of programmable LED lights that can display animated lighting programs.

The expanded BMO Centre is fundamentally a different kind of convention center, second-to-none in architecture, functionality and guest experience. The expansion represents a new generation of convention facilities, one that celebrates and connects with its surroundings and its community. BMO Centre promises best-in-class guest experience, boasts precedent-setting design architecture, and serves as a gathering place for convention attendees and the local community alike.

Michael Lockwood, Senior Principal at Populous, said:

“BMO Centre sets the precedent for future convention centers, synthesizing form, functionality and thoughtful design to provide world-class meeting facilities while engaging and enriching the community of Calgary. Creating a venue to develop meaningful and memorable experiences was top of mind for BMO Centre, so we were proud to work alongside all our partners to bring this to vision to fruition.”

Adam Paulitsch, Principal at Populous, said:

“Working in tandem with Stantec and S2, we were able to bring modern design to Calgary, while also paying homage to the people and heritage of its community. BMO Centre breaks the dated stereotype for convention centers by offering year-round, communal gathering spaces for the public to congregate and enjoy, while serving as a crown jewel of the city for those visiting for business.”