GATINEAU, QC, June 27,
2024 /CNW/ - On June 29,
1989, the Canadian Museum of History opened the doors of its
iconic new building for the very first time. As the Museum
celebrates the past 35 years, it is also paying tribute to its
illustrious designer Douglas
Cardinal, with a special presentation on his life and
legacy.
Until October 6, the Museum will
be featuring a special display on the world-renowned architect.
Exploring his early life, his first design projects, his vision for
the Museum's buildings and his global contributions, the display is
oriented around the directions of the Medicine Wheel, which has
informed so much of Cardinal's life and work.
"We are so pleased to be offering a special presentation
honouring Douglas Cardinal's
visionary idea for this building constructed 35 years ago," said
Caroline Dromaguet, President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum of History. "It
houses and shares a wealth of community and national stories and,
since opening in 1989, has become such a beloved part of our urban
landscape that it's hard to imagine the National Capital Region
without them. I am grateful for Douglas's wisdom, foresight,
creativity and enduring commitment to our Museum."
Divided into four sections — The Man (east), The Architect
(south), The Vision (west), and The Legacy (north) — this new
presentation gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about the
largest object the Museum holds, the building itself, through
photographs and other items belonging to Mr. Cardinal such as
sketches, models and multiple awards.
"When I was designing the Museum, I felt that it should be a
learning and teaching centre," said Douglas
Cardinal. "We should learn from the past and not keep
repeating our mistakes. We must learn to live in harmony with each
other and with our Mother, the Earth."
Cardinal's design has earned him a place among the world's most
renowned architects. Over the years, he has collaborated with the
Museum on several other projects, including the redevelopment and
redesign of the Canadian History Hall, the largest and most
comprehensive exhibition about Canadian history ever created.
Since its inauguration, the Canadian Museum of History has stood
across from Parliament Hill, on the banks of the Ottawa River. With
its sinuous lines, and evocation of this country's landscape and
Indigenous Peoples, this striking architectural masterpiece is a
must-see and continues to attract people from all over the
world.
Douglas Cardinal, who recently
turned 90, continues to design and innovate. He has worked on
numerous inspiring and groundbreaking projects across this country
and abroad. The public can learn even more about his life and
career through the Museum's new and captivating oral history
project, Shaping Canada, which
features interviews with influential public figures who had a
demonstrable and extraordinary impact on contemporary Canada.
Located on the banks of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of
History attracts over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum's
principal role is to enhance Canadians' knowledge, understanding
and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects
that have shaped Canada's history
and identity, as well as to enhance Canadians' awareness of world
history and culture. Work of the Canadian Museum of History is made
possible in part through financial support of the Government of
Canada.
For more information, visit historymuseum.ca and follow us on
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stephanie.verner@historymuseum.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Museum of History