The National Gallery of Canada
Client
Canada Museums Corporation
Region
Ottawa, ON
Area Office
Ottawa
Year Completed
1988
Size
500,000 sq. ft.
Sector
Buildings
Sub-Sector
Culture & Recreation
The Story
The National Gallery of Canada is one of the world’s most respected art institutions and is renowned for its exceptional collection of approximately 65,000 works of art. The building is located on Sussex Drive and housed in striking glass and granite building, and is the permanent home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art.
The innovative design of the museum consisted of a very high standard of finish for both the interior and exterior architectural concrete. Its extraordinary design was created to hold an ever-evolving history of art collected from around the world. Architectural glass was used extensively as a design element to flood the interior exhibition areas with natural light.
The 500,000 square foot stone, glass and concrete building is multi-structured with each of the five main gallery areas designed in varying architectural styles. Light shafts from the roof areas bring natural light to lower floors, and the roofing includes mansored metal panels. In addition, the building incorporates sophisticated mechanical systems and controls necessary to control the environment of the large open exhibition areas and preserve the exhibits and works of art.
