There is no history without past events. In other words, one can say that the grandeur of a museum depends upon the richness of a placeโs heritage and culture. Speaking of rich history, Canada is a country with stories worthy of preservation. From the indigenous population of Canada to Canadian militancy, and wars to innovations; Canadian history has a diverse range of numerous happenings sustained and showcased within its museums.
Here is a fact I must tell you- The Federal Museums Act identifies nine museums as the national museums in Canada, all of which are run by the national government. One of the most visited and famous is the Canadian Museum of History best known for its rich and authentic narration of Canadian history.
If you are in Ottawa, visit the Canadian Museum of History near downtown Ottawa. It is reachable by foot, public transport, bicycle, or car. It is also a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Jacques Cartier Park.
Are you wondering why I am recommending this museum as a must-visit destination? I will tell you this- there are more than 4 million items in the collection, from diverse communities across the national capital region. These are displayed in the form of exhibitions.
If I tell you about the exterior of the museum building; it is decorated with earth lodges, longhouses, paddles, and igloos. The arrangement of the windows provides natural light into the museum, while also offering breathtaking views of the Ottawa River.
Also, the exhibit areas are separated from the curatorial wing into two wings. There are four floors/levels offering over 25000 square meters of exhibit space.
So, check the detailed guide on what you can explore on different levels there-
Unveiling the Level 1
The first floor of the Canadian Museum primarily houses the Grand Hall and the First Peoples Hall, both of which contain a variety of artifacts primarily reflecting the countryโs Indigenous population.
1. The Grand Hall
The architectural focal point of the museum, the Grand Hall contains 43 massive totem poles; the worldโs largest indoor collection. Indigenous cultural experts and the museumโs workers worked together in the development of the exhibitions. Letโs take a look at some of the primary exhibits of the Grand Hall.
The Six Houses
One of the first exhibits that will catch your eye in the Grand Hall is a collection of six housing structures located along a cedar walkway.
- The exhibition of these houses was reconstructed using old images and eyewitness accounts.
- In this display, they are positioned facing the water, resembling a northwest coast village from the 19th century.
- Each house displays its style of architecture created by the indigenous societies, from the southern to the northern coast. Collectively, the houses display the areaโs multiculturalism.
The Spirit Of Haida Gwaii
Designed by Haida artist, Bill Reid, the Spirit of Haida Gwaii is known to be his most complex, yet best-known sculpture. The aesthetic artwork shows a canoe with thirteen passengers in it. These passengers are a mix of human, animal, and mythical Haida beings. The non-human pieces include the raven, the eagle, the bear family, the frog, the wolf, the dogfish mother, the beaver, the Mouse woman, and the bear mother.
Meanwhile, the human pieces onboard are the paddler, known as the Ancient Reluctant Conscript, and the chief, who sits at the top. Each figure in the sculpture represents the Haida worldview.
The Morning Star
Now I will introduce the most famous painting towards the end of the Grand Hall. You will find yourself sheltered under a domed ceiling of vibrant colours. Seven stories above the first floor is The Morning Star. The highlight of the museumโs art collection. It is an abstract painting by the indigenous artist, Alex Janvier.
- The painting represents the morning star as a medium of finding direction, specifically toward unity between the indigenous and non-indigenous people.
- It is separated into four colours, each of which represents a period of history; from pre-contact to present times. These four colours are yellow, blue, red, and white.
- The morning star is symbolized by a white circle in the center which depicts the origin of all creation.
Alex Janvier is often referred to as the first Indigenous modernist artist in Canada. He is one of the founding members of Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. His mural "Morning Star" adorns the dome of the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.https://t.co/VxFuouL77b
โ Historica Canada (@HistoricaCanada) February 23, 2024
2. First Peoples Hall
As the name suggests, the First Peoples Hall in the Canadian Museum of History displays artworks relating to the indigenous population of Canada, Inuit, and Metis people, from the earliest times to the contemporary world. These artworks include about 2000 artifacts, audiovisual exhibits, and archival documents. A blend of history and modernism, these exhibits depict the natives as living in the modern world. Sounds interesting enough to take a tour? Letโs go!
You will spot two amazing sections there-
Clothing
This section primarily contains mannequins which present examples of menโs and womenโs traditional clothing during the summer and winter seasons. The opening section of the hall contains 11 mannequins that showcase the developments in the diverse clothing styles of the nationโs people. This section includes fascinating pieces like regalia, skirts, leggings, and high coats, dating back to native times. For the winter season, Mannequins wearing an Amuti Parka jacket are put on display.
The Indian In Transition
Before you exit the First Peoples Hall, you will be bound to stop and marvel at a unique and large mural known as The Indian in Transition, made by Daphne Odjig. Painted with vivid colours and bold shapes, the artwork is at the end of the hall and draws attention with its striking use of spirit and animal motifs.
Whatโs There on Level 2?
As you move toward the second floor of the Museum, three large halls displaying temporary exhibitions of striking nature, await your attention. However, the significant attractions on this floor are the Canadian Childrenโs Museum and the Canadian Postal Museum.
Presenting interactive displays, these two are the most visited areas on the floor since they capture the curiosity of a diverse age of people. Additionally, this floor is also a commercial space due to the presence of a restaurant, boutiques, and an IMAX theatre. While it sounds appealing, we indulge in these activities later.
For now, let us move toward the floorโs most primary sections!
1. Canadian Childrenโs Museum
I highly recommend you to explore this one. It holds collections of about 10,000 antiques, hands-on items, and props, this gallery is primarily oriented toward an age group of up to 14 years old. They are given an entertaining, yet educational travel experience through the present exhibitions. Permanent exhibitions in the gallery include artwork, pictures, clothes, games, and toys. These items reflect the modern as well as historical features of childrenโs lifestyles.
The museumโs collections primarily include ethnic objects which enhance the childโs understanding of human history. Apart from the objects, the museum holds a special activity as part of its permanent exhibition, known as โThe Great Adventureโ. This activity takes the visitors on an exciting around-the-world journey.
You can take your child on a trip to the Egyptian pyramid, visit vibrant markets, and have a thrilling bus ride in Pakistan, all in the Museum of History itself! Children hardly become tired.
2. Canadian Stamp Collection
If you have a hobby of collecting stamps, this area is a dream place for you! Holding a total of 3000 stamps within the gallery, the Canadian stamp collection includes every issued stamp of Canada, since time immemorial.
One of the first galleries you will notice in this section of the national museum is the Signed, Sealed, Delivered. One of the permanent displays, this section narrates the history of the Canadian postal system through its collection of 400 objects. Next, we move towards a hands-on section called the stamp quest. It features an interactive introduction to the stamp collections.
Another popular exhibition in the area is the Reflections of Canada. Its popularity can be justified by its display of all of Canadaโs and the provinceโs stamps that have ever been printed. Just when you thought the fun was over, you are greeted with performances, workshops, and fun activities like a postal pop quiz.
Exploring the Level 3
Without a second thought, the major attention on this level is captured by the Canadian History Hall, also known as the Canada Hall. With its vast galleries and multiple exhibitions, the signature exhibition occupies a significant space on the floor, and in our hearts. Also present on this floor is the museumโs most expensive artifact; the astrolabe of Samuel de Champlain. It occupies a space in the center of the David M. Stewart Lounge. So, are you ready to know more about it?
You have to look at history as an evolution of society.
Jean Chretien
The Canadian History Hall at the Museum of History is divided into three galleries. Each gallery represents a period of history and covers 1000 years of Canadaโs past through its exhibitions. These three sections are divided into Early Canadian History, Colonial Canadian History, and Modern Canadian History.
1. Gallery 1 (Early Canada)
This section of Canada Hall covers the themes of the earliest settlements on the regionโs land, the formulation of spiritual bonds by the indigenous peoples concerning the land and the animals, the arrival of the Europeans and its outcomes, and finally the inception of permanent European settlements.
Some of the prominent displays that will catch your attention as you wander through the gallery are- North Americaโs oldest representation of a human face known as the first face, small animal carvings, and a historical astrolabe, among many others. Moving forward, you will then find yourself walking along a dark-themed longhouse that is based on wars and epidemics of the 17th century.
2. Gallery 2 (Colonial Canada)
This section primarily covers events like the conquest, the Seven-Year War, and the beginnings of the First World War. Some of the significant exhibits that you may find here are โ a massive portrait of Thomas DโArcy McGee, the visionary behind the 1860s confederation, the alleged revolver used in his assassination, a robe worn by the British diplomat, Hugh Richardson, and events of New France through a virtual museum.
Exhibitions that showcase the architecture of the time include a study of a British officer, a railway station, and an authentic and beautiful Ukrainian church, which is said to have been transported from Alberta!
ย 3. Gallery 3 (Modern Canada)
Covering the period from 1914 to the present times, the exhibitions in this gallery showcase events of recent history; even stories that you may have lived. One of the many epic displays that you will find here is the multiple Canadian flags along with the original, which narrates the history of the great debate on the Canadian flag.
In front of this display is Joan OโMalleyโs sewing machine, which eventually produced the first maple leaf flag. Reflecting the traditional richness of the indigenous people, you will find stunning regalia on a massive mannequin, originally worn and made by dancer Amanda Larocque in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
As you roam around history, you will find your knowledge cherished, as you witness the historical events of the residential school system of India and Canada, the arrival of Syrian refugees, the cultural mix in Canada, and much more through digital tablets and interesting photographs.
Live The Moments Of History
History is always fascinating to many people.
As beings of high emotional intellect, humans have an inherent attachment to memories. Additionally, we personify them into objects to relive the moments of the past. Today, the Canadian Museum of History serves as a venue where memory and history interact, rather than just being an institution or display of accumulated artifacts.
Thus, if you are planning a visit to the Canadian Museum of History, get ready to create moments of reflection, nostalgia, and pride.
Last Updated on April 7, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
