Calgary Stampede SAM Centre Interpretive Exhibits
the project
When the Calgary Stampede’s SAM Centre opened in May 2024, it introduced a new kind of museum experience. One built to celebrate over 100 years of Stampede history through storytelling, technology, and interactive design. Exhibit Studio was brought on to fabricate every custom exhibit element in both the permanent and temporary galleries. Starting with renderings and concepts from our agency partner, GSM, we translated those creative ideas into detailed shop drawings — laying the groundwork to build something truly memorable right out of our Calgary studio.
What We Did
The Solution
This project was a true collaboration from start to finish. We worked closely with the client, architects, A/V teams, and exhibit designers to bring a wide range of one-of-a-kind elements to life. We made sure sure each piece fit seamlessly into the space and supported the broader vision for the museum. Highlights included wall-mounted shadow boxes, panoramic murals, and a towering 20-foot freestanding exhibit wall that anchors the main gallery.
We also fabricated some truly unique features: a 1.5-tonne horse sculpture, dimensional signage, interactive reader rails, life-sized mannequins with printed faces and moveable limbs, multimedia seating, and a custom-built augmented reality photo booth framed by a full-height arch. An immersive 4D space brought the sights, sounds, and energy of the Stampede into full view. Every detail was built with purpose and precision, turning the SAM Centre into a space where history comes to life.
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