Every city has that one intriguing attraction that tourists flock to. For Ottawa, it is the National Art Centre, which houses some facts that will blow your mind. Oops! Have you not yet visited there? Then you are missing a lot. I would suggest you plan a day to explore this outstanding tribute to the arts. But before that read on to know some interesting facts and information about the museum.
The recent renovation of the National Art Centre Ottawa building consists of a creative fortress-look museum, which is more of building houses like several performance spaces, rehearsal halls, dressing rooms, workshops, and more. The general public must experience this inspiring modern tour arts, shows, ballet, etc.
- The National Art Centre was established as the centennial project in 1967. The architecture design is decided to be Brutalist fashion of the time.
- The design is rejuvenated from the original idea to meet the new modern audiences’ needs. In the 1960’s it was designed to keep in mind the access to cars.
- Many don’t know the National Art Centre Ottawa is designed to evaluate the dramatic public venue. There are adjacent park landscapes: Rideau Canal, Confederation Square, and the Parliamentary Precinct.
- The original design is more of a reinforced concrete structure which Donald Schmits redesigned. The National Arts Centre is now emerging as an open, breathing-free, looking structure that embraces the nation’s capital.
- Another fact is that the National Art Centre Ottawa was designed in the 1960s, although people think it was created in the late 70s or between.
- The beacon Kipnes Lantern is a three-story and multi-side signature architecture that costs about $225 million.
- The Kipnes Lantern is an inspirational and guiding design. It is also known as the Luminous Beacon and made the centre of attraction for the National Art Centre Ottawa.
- The North Atrium is a trendy place for the public to gather and host beautiful small concerts.
- Diamond Schmitt renovated the main auditorium, although this hall is named after the G. Hamilton Southam.
- The Southam Hall of the National Art Centre Ottawa was also redesigned to improve patron comfort significantly. A new magnificent orchestral gallery has been updated and is ready to go.
- The corridor has been named the Canada Room, a size for more than 500+ patrons. The area reached out to the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and renegotiated in February 2018.
- Three theatres are organized annually – French, English, and Indigenous theatre.
After all these interesting facts, let me tell you something about the architect and other companies who have contributed to its development. The National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada, has been completely redesigned. The building construction project was handed over to the Diamond Schmitt Architects and the contribution of ClearLED, a Vancouver-based company.
Diamond Schmitt Architects
The company in Canada was established in 1975 by Jack Diamond and Donald Schmitt. The company provides a creative solution with an inspirational urban context and collaborative, thoughtful, sustainable design solutions. This company took another project in the same region and wholly renovated and constructed the Ottawa public library other than the National Arts Centre.
ClearLED
The company is responsible for installing the LED display screen in the Kipnes lantern. Which is the fifth performance Centre of the National Art Centre Ottawa. Creative installation of the big display screens gives it an all-new attractive look; it is intended to keep it attractive and provide a new meaning to the theatre.
There are some rare facts about the National Art Centre Ottawa which is primarily related to its history and development. This is among the few places which inspire the person in the moment of walking in the long corridor to the open restaurants and cafe-like spacious areas where everyone feels like little artists in their world. Visit and explore by yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to the NAC Ottawa?
You are welcome to dress as it makes you most comfortable. Some prefer to wear jeans and a T-shirt, while others love dressing up for the occasion. It’s up to you.
When did the National Arts Centre open?
The National Arts Centre (NAC), designed by Fred Lebensold, was launched in 1969 and offered cutting-edge performance spaces and technology in its primary venues, notably Southam Hall.
What are the timings at NAC Ottawa?
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays.
Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani