The theatre at the heart of the Arts Commons Transformation project in Calgary officially has a new name: the Osten-Victor Playhouse.
The 1,000-seat theatre was recently named after local philanthropists Al Osten and Buddy Victor, who gifted $12 million toward the arts centre’s expansion in downtown Calgary. The pair met in 1957 as members of doo-wop group The Rover Boys, who even performed on The Tonight Show and iconic venues such as Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.
“The Osten-Victor Playhouse is a testament to the power of generosity and the belief that arts and culture are essential to a vibrant city. Thanks to this exceptional gift, we’re building a world-class venue, and we’re honouring a legacy of love, partnership, and passion for the performing arts. This is a defining moment for Calgary’s downtown and our cultural future,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondeck.
The Osten-Victor Playhouse, intended to host medium-sized productions, will fill an existing hole in Calgary’s roster of performing arts venues when it opens in 2028. Prioritizing flexibility, inclusivity, and accessibility, the theatre’s automated lift system will allow for the easy reconfiguration of seating to host a broader variety of performances and productions.
Beginning in fall 2025, Arts Commons will officially be renamed Werklund Centre in recognition of entrepreneur Dave Werklund’s own $75 million contribution to the project.
The Arts Commons Transformation and Olympic Plaza Transformation projects are being led in partnership by Arts Commons, Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, and The City of Calgary.
In addition to the Osten-Victor Playhouse, the Werklund Centre expansion will add a 200-seat studio theatre space, adding two new essential venues to Calgary’s
future vibrancy. The design of this new building will integrate with the new Olympic Plaza and the renovation of current facilities for a modern, accessible cultural campus.
The design team is KPMB Architects in association with Hindle Architects and Tawaw Architecture Collective.
The Arts Commons Transformation Expansion project has also been shortlisted for a 2025 World Architecture Festival award. Winners will be announced in November.
