Ice-Burg by the Center for Civilization
Chinook Blast is back and this year East Village is set to shine brighter than ever with Ice-Burg, a temporary art installation. Created by the visionary artists at the Center for Civilization, this series of colourful crystalline forms come alive as gathering spaces, playful nooks, and glowing beacons that light up our winter nights.
Located on 6th Street and 8th Avenue SE near the entrance to the East Village Nordic Loop, this dazzling art installation is a vibrant reimagining of the Rocky Mountains that transforms the urban landscape into a crystalline dreamscape.
Whether you’re here to explore, connect, or simply marvel, Ice-Burg is a joyful reminder of the beauty that emerges when nature meets urban creativity.
A Towering Frozen Fantasy
Ice-Burg isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to explore. With towering, multi-hued crystalline structures reaching 10–12 feet tall, the installation invites visitors to wander through its glowing forms, interact with its playful elements, and experience the city in a whole new light (literally). To put its size into perspective, standing next to Ice-Burg is like standing beside a one-story building or two stacked basketball players—it’s an immersive world of light and texture that begs to be discovered.
The Inspiration Behind Ice-Burg
The creative minds at Centre for Civilization took inspiration from the glaciers and jagged peaks west of Calgary, transforming them into an urban spectacle that blends art, play, and placemaking. Each element serves a unique function—some create pockets of shelter, others act as luminous beacons, and all work together to form a breathtaking winter playground. The materials—lightweight but durable metal frames wrapped in layers of translucent and polychromatic film—allow Ice-Burg to shimmer, shift, and react to its environment, creating an ever-changing experience depending on the time of day and angle of view.
The installation is made up of three distinct parts (L-R):
The Busking Cave: A cozy alcove where visitors can shelter from the cold, designed as a welcoming space for anyone seeking a quiet moment of warmth.
The Greeting Gate: A stunning archway that invites guests to walk through and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Ice-Burg.
The Wayfinding Tower: The tallest piece of the installation, twisting and reaching toward the sky, serving as a luminous beacon guiding visitors through East Village.
“Ice-Burg reinterprets the Rocky Mountains as colourful and vibrant urban placemakers that inspire joy and foster interaction among visitors,” say the artists from Centre for Civilization.
“It’s composed of a cast of crystalline ‘characters’ that define place, act as a backdrop, provide shelter for cuddling, encourage play and performance, and illuminate Calgary’s cold winter nights.”
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Ice-Burg
Before Ice-Burg found its home in East Village, it came to life at the Centre for Civilization’s workshop, where the artists meticulously designed and assembled each crystalline form. Constructed with sustainability in mind, the installation prioritizes recyclable materials and modular design, ensuring that its elements can be reconfigured or repurposed beyond Chinook Blast.
The Center for Civilization, at the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape is a design research lab and international think tank working at the intersection of cities, society, and civilization.
Take a look at the transformation from concept to reality:
Image courtesy of Janelle Ward and Dexter Martin.
You can experience Ice-Burg at 6th Street and 8th Avenue SE until February 17.
Chinook Blast: More to Explore
Ice-Burg is just one of the many reasons to visit East Village during Chinook Blast 2025. As Calgary’s premier winter festival, Chinook Blast brings together art, music, food, and outdoor fun, turning the city into a cold-weather cultural hot spot from January 31 – February 17. This year, The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland in East Village is home to Chinook Blast’s all-new winter sport hub, with tons of outdoor and indoor events that highlight the magic of winter in our city.
Make a day (or night) of it by checking out these events happening in East Village:
For a list of all events happening in East Village check out our events calendar.