A Music Centre for You. And Everyone.
The Winspear’s remarkable expansion will transform our space into a true community hub. Much like a rec centre draws people in to exercise their bodies, our music centre will draw people in to engage their creative spirit.
Garth Prince, JUNO award-winning vocalist, drummer, and educator
Expanding Possibilities for Our Community
This expansion will enable Northern Alberta to realize its greatest musical potential. With collaboration and performance spaces, leading-edge learning, and accessible programming, we're shaping a place for community to come together and thrive.
A New State-of-the-Art Venue
The Music Box will be an atmospheric and intimate 550-seat performance and event space unlike any other. Designed with the same incredible acoustics the Winspear is renowned for, this second concert hall will produce diverse live music experiences and programming opportunities for everyone.
This unique space sets a new standard in our region. Within moments, the state-of-the-art seating system can transform from raised theatre seating for concerts, to tiered tables for a cabaret, to a flat floor for dancing. From captivating shows by solo artists and community groups, to a beautiful space for corporate events, classes and workshops, the Music Box’s incredible versatility will make it essential to the fabric of our community.
Inclusive Studios and Programs
The Winspear boasts more than 30 musical learning opportunities to keep people of all ages connected and inspired to realize their fullest potential. That includes the Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta (YONA), which harnesses the power of music for positive social change. YONA benefits local youth through a caring after-school environment of ensemble music-making at no cost to their families.
In order to meet the high registration demand for our programs and make even more positive impact in our communities, the expanded Winspear will have ample studios, classrooms and collaboration spaces to connect diverse people with their talents and love of music. Music education has a transformative effect, improving creative problem solving and critical thinking skills, and making our community a better place to live, work, and play.
Our added space will allow the Winspear to grow its educational programming to make a difference for over 50% more learners, engaging a total of 50,000 Albertans every year.
A Landmark for Downtown’s Future
The Winspear was founded on the idea of bringing people together through the power of music, and true to its roots, the expanded centre will be a beacon of possibility and community. In its fully realized form, the new Winspear will be an extraordinary landmark, supporting a rejuvenated Edmonton core.
With rentable multi-purpose spaces, a gorgeous outdoor plaza, daytime programming, and interactive discovery zones throughout the building, we’re creating an accessible and welcoming attraction. Downtown Edmonton will be abuzz with visitors, from local residents to global guests attending international conferences. 41% of visitors come from outside the city, which is expected to generate $4.5 million in economic impact in the first year of operation alone.
Today, the Winspear is only accessible during scheduled events. With the expansion, its doors will be open to the public every day, making this awe-inspiring cultural centre the perfect gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Music Changes Lives
Music enriches our lives and encourages us to continually dream and grow. Explore the many profound benefits of investing in the new Winspear music centre.
50% MORE PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH
More programs means more chances to create positive change for youth exploring their talent and love of music.
WELCOMING OUR COMMUNITY
We need more spaces that bring people together in harmony and community. That is the vision for the new Winspear.
DIVERSIFYING PERFORMANCES
The Music Box will host more local artists and small groups, bringing new musical experiences to the Winspear.
ENRICHING EDMONTON'S DOWNTOWN
Restoring vibrancy and vitality to Edmonton's downtown is a shared community vision and top priority of the expansion.
INSPIRING MUSICIANS
We will welcome more musicians by providing expanded programs, more spaces to study, and ample opportunities to collaborate.
CREATING INCLUSIVE SPACES
The expansion and revitalization efforts are designed with diversity and accessibility top of mind.
FAQs
Still have a question, please reach out to expansion@winspearcentre.com
We are expanding in the same downtown Edmonton location. Utilizing the adjacent parking lot, the Winspear expansion will be an additional approximately 50,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art cultural attraction, bringing the total combined complex to around 215,000 sq. ft.
Yes. The Winspear expansion includes a refresh of the existing Winspear Centre, which has seen the replacement of the concert hall seats, and may include updated carpets and furniture in the lobby spaces, refreshed bathrooms, new lobby access to passageways connecting the Churchill Square entrance to the Eastern entrance on 97 street, and new administration offices.
Yes, there will be an underground parking garage that will be an additional 27,136 sq. ft.
Our current, funding dependent, plan would see access to the building beginning in 2025, with expansion of programming happening into 2026.
Visit our Donate page to donate online. For major gifts, contact Alex Draper, Director of Philanthropy at expansion@winspearcentre.com.
Yes, you will get a tax receipt. The Winspear Centre is a registered charity.
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Today
Help realize Edmonton's musical potential and be a part of history in the making.
Members of YONA (Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta)