U of A building new 5,000-square-foot gallery space

The University of Alberta is building a new gallery space to showcase millions of objects that were previously hidden from public view.

The University of Alberta is creating a new space to showcase its art collection.

Once completed, the gallery space will be five times the current space at 5,000 square feet.

The new art gallery will be named the Kenneth and Sandra Wong Gallery, honouring the project’s lead donors, alongside their children Vincent and Emily who both graduated from the University of Alberta.

“We have so much heritage in the collection. For people who come here, I hope they will enjoy the breadth of knowledge because it is a teaching gallery too,” said Kenneth Wong.

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The university’s 30 collections include 10 million-plus objects.

“The U of A collections are exceptional,” said Bill Flanagan, the university’s president. “The more than 10 million pieces stand alongside the best in the world,” he added.

In addition to the unique art pieces, engaging exhibitions, antiques and special collections will be displayed in the gallery.

The new space will offer students the opportunity to engage in workshops, lectures and events.

“There are studies showing that engaging with arts, with culture, has a huge positive impact on mental health, on our sense of belonging, and this gallery will create that on campus,” said Christine Conciatori, director of U of A Museums.

Construction began in July in the Telus Centre at the intersection of north campus and the Garneau neighbourhood.

Opening is planned for early 2027.