Designed by Santiago Calatrava, one of the world’s great architects, Calgary’s Peace Bridge is a major tourist attraction and popular landmark. More than a million pedestrians and cyclists have crossed the Bow River using the glass bridge in the past year. This summer, the bridge suffered nearly $1 million in damage after vandals smashed 70 of the structure’s 100 glass panels with a hammer and bricks in two separate incidents. One person has been charged. In an effort to combat such behavior, the City of Calgary has turned the Peace Bridge into an art walk called the Gallery of Vandalism. It’s a campaign to educate people about the damage done to the bridge and to encourage residents to report acts of vandalism, said Charmaine Buhler, the city’s bridge maintenance manager. Security guards and cameras now monitor the structure. Steel barriers have been installed while the city looks at possible repair options. Ms. Buhler said the city is also exploring using different types of material that are less prone to vandalism. For now, the bridge and Vandalism Gallery remain open to the public. The Peace Bridge was designed by Santiago Calatrava.Todd Korol/The Globe and Mail The Vandalism Gallery is intended to educate the public about the damage that has been done to the bridge. Todd Korol/The Globe and Mail Tagged in “gallery.” Todd Korol/The Globe and Mail A fence was erected after the bridge was vandalized. Todd Corroll/The Globe and Mail For now, the bridge and Vandalism gallery remain open to the public.Todd Korol/The Globe and Mail
