McDougall Centre

Services and information

Events at McDougall Centre

Calgary's historic McDougall Centre welcomes the public for special events.

Plan your visit

Location, parking and other information about visiting the McDougall Centre historic site in Calgary.

History of McDougall Centre

Opened in 1908 for teacher training, this provincial architectural landmark is the centre for the provincial government in southern Alberta.

Book a meeting space

Request a space in the McDougall Centre for business meetings or events.

Visitor highlights

Completed in 1907, Calgary’s McDougall School was the location of Alberta’s first normal school. These schools were used for the training of Alberta teachers until 1945. This early 20^th century three-storey sandstone building was also one of the first major public buildings constructed in the province. Designed by Provincial Architect Allan Merrick Jeffers to reflect the Beaux-Arts style, the building was intended to make a significant statement about Alberta’s future.

Now known as McDougall Centre — Southern Alberta Government Centre, this elegant historic structure is listed on the Alberta Register of Historic Places. Today it serves as Alberta government office space and a centre for government meetings and events in Southern Alberta. Public visits can be arranged by request.

Private functions

The meeting rooms located in McDougall Centre are used for government and not-for-profit organization functions. They are not available for private events such as weddings.

Wedding photos

Wedding photos may be taken on the grounds of McDougall Centre. Bookings are not required. As such, groups taking photos are expected to use the grounds on a first-come, first-served basis.