Conservation of Robert Oldrich's murals
Bringing color back: Conservation of Robert Oldrich’s murals
The Robert Oldrich Painted Murals have brightened Calgary’s downtown skywalks since 1974. This summer, they’re undergoing an exciting transformation as professional conservators carefully restore their original color and structure.
View of the mural panels installed in their new environment, highlighting the scale of the work and providing spatial context following relocation. Image credit © Alex Boyd
Bringing color back
Working on-site in the Plus15 walkway at 130 9 Ave. S.E., the team is cleaning layers of surface dirt, stabilizing flaking paint, and repairing damaged areas to preserve the murals’ brilliance for the future.
Visitors walking the Plus15 are encouraged to take a moment to observe the conservation in progress — a rare opportunity to experience how art is preserved. This live restoration offers a new way to connect with Calgary’s cultural history and to see heritage conservation as an act of renewal.
The conservation is led by the City of Calgary Public Art Program in partnership with Glenbow and includes the expertise of a student from Queen’s University’s Master of Art Conservation program.
Project details
- Dates: May 25 to September
- Location: Plus15 walkway (190 9 Ave. S.E.)
- Partners: City of Calgary Public Art Program, Glenbow
Removal of protective blankets installed over the murals during relocation to safeguard their surfaces.
Specialized rigging and handling of mural panels during relocation, ensuring structural support and minimizing risk to the painted surfaces.
Image credit © Alex Boyd
Removal of protective blankets installed over the murals during relocation to safeguard their surfaces.
A conservator carefully surface cleans the murals using controlled methods to remove accumulated grime without disturbing original paint layers.
Why it matters
Robert Oldrich’s work embodies the bold, geometric energy of Calgary’s modernist era. Caring for his murals reflects our city’s ongoing commitment to protecting public art as part of our shared story.