Well after creating a construction zone beside Churchill Square in Edmonton for the past 3 years, the Art Gallery of Alberta is finally open. Now, I never went for the grand opening but I do want to weigh in what I think about having such a major piece of architecture in the middle of the city.
It wasn't cheap, coming in at 88 million dollars, and it certainly sticks out. I know a lot of people would rather invest that money in a new hockey stadium or even hospital beds, and see this 88 million as an attempt at vanity that will compete with the great art galleries in the rest of the world.
A city needs to balance its priorities. It also needs to pick what it wants to be famous for. This needs public consultation and support from all levels of government and private industry. A city can't try to do everything well, or else it will fail. It needs to do some things very well for the best success.
I love the concept of Sir Winston Churchill Square and I love the buildings that surround it. We have 2 buildings dedicated to city administration, a concert hall, a library and a market (well, shopping mall, but this is Canada we're talking about afterall). Before the Art Gallery of Alberta, there was the Edmonton Art Gallery in the same spot. All of these buildings are connected to an underground LRT and pedway system. Now, there are many things I don't like in Edmonton and I sometimes I think the city planners have way too many liquid lunches, but they have done something right with Churchill Square. And I think the new art gallery brings so much to this physical space by adding an unique architectural work of art.
Edmonton may lack in many things, but I think the AGA adds a lot of good things to this city. It will attract some major exhibits and it will draw more people to the heart of city. Since Churchill Square is a major centre for festivals, the Art Gallery will bring more people to these festivals and integrates a world class art gallery into these festivals.
Not only does the AGA bring good things to Edmonton, but it brings good things to Alberta. European travelers on the way through from Toronto will stop in Edmonton and then make their down to Calgary so they can continue onto Vancouver. Asian travelers will have more reason to travel beyond the mountain parks and see that Canada is more than rocks, trees and domesticated mountain sheep. Not only that, it is something for us to be proud of. This building is unique, and it will attract notice.
So I think it is obvious where I stand on this issue. I think the AGA is money will spent even with a chronic shortage of hospital beds, stubborn unemployment and a losing hockey team.
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