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.

Musician Garth Prince standing with his hand on an African drum in the unfinished construction site of the Winspear Expansion Project, Edmonton.Musician Garth Prince standing with his hand on an African drum in the unfinished construction site of the Winspear Expansion Project, Edmonton.

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.

music box

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.

Render of the new Winspear Music box interior showing people sitting on and watching a musician perform
Programs

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.

Render of the Winspear's new sound school room showing a room full of kids learning music
Community

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. 

Render of the new Winspear Building Exterior in Edmonton showing the front with people walking in a green courtyard
Benefits

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

Where is the new Winspear Centre located?

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.

Will the existing Winspear be refurbished as a part of the expansion plan?

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.

Will there be parking?

Yes, there will be an underground parking garage that will be an additional 27,136 sq. ft.

When will the new Winspear Centre be completed?

Our current, funding dependent, plan would see access to the building beginning in 2025, with expansion of programming happening into 2026.

How do I donate?

Visit our Donate page to donate online. For major gifts, contact Alex Draper, Director of Philanthropy at expansion@winspearcentre.com.

Will I get a tax receipt?

Yes, you will get a tax receipt. The Winspear Centre is a registered charity.

Donate
Today

Help realize Edmonton's musical potential and be a part of history in the making.

Group of 4 Yona music students holding their instruments on an unfinished stage. Located in the construction site of the Winspear Expansion project in Edmonton.Group of 4 Yona music students holding their instruments on an unfinished stage. Located in the construction site of the Winspear Expansion project in Edmonton.Group of 4 Yona music students holding their instruments on an unfinished stage. Located in the construction site of the Winspear Expansion project in Edmonton.

Members of YONA (Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta)