National Arts Centre - Art Installations since 1969

Cette promenade sera aussi offerte samedi en français.


Though it is best known for the productions on its stages, the National Arts Centre has a strong collection of visual art that is presented throughout and around its building. The majority of artworks were commissioned for the opening of the building in 1969 through a new funding opportunity that allowed for a portion of the construction budget to be attributed to the “decorative arts” in public buildings. Since then, the collection has slowly grown through donations and a few recent acquisitions, reflecting Canada's diversity and culture. As Ottawa’s most important Third Places, the National Arts Centre’s redesigned public spaces, unveiled in 2017 after a major renovation, are a welcoming environment for people to gather. The variety of artworks around the NAC make the building all the more fascinating and beautiful. Come and learn more about this rich collection of art.


Location
Route

The walk take place inside the NAC. We'll meet in the O'Brien Atrium. Enter from Elgin St and come toward information desk a few steps down from the Equator Coffee Shop. From there, we will walk through the building to visit several artworks at multiple levels of the building.


There are no barriers to accessibility, as we can use the elevators to move between levels.

About the walk leader

Robert is the Senior Information Manager, Archivist, and Curator at the National Arts Centre. He oversees a mixed-media collection of artworks that were commissioned for the opening of the Centre in 1969 and acquired in the years following. The NAC underwent a major architectural rejuvenation and reopening in 2017, and its vibrant new space is reoriented towards the city, opening its doors to the public. This new space serves as one of the most important Third Places in the city of Ottawa and offers many opportunities for Robert to share the NAC’s unique collection with a broader audience.

Guide:

Robert VanderBerg

When:
Date:Fri May 2, 2025
Time:11:30 AM
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
Language: English
Where:
Start:NAC's O’Brien Atrium
End:same
Area:Downtown Ottawa
Distance:0.5 kms
Accessibility:

There are no accessibility barriers on the route.

Walker Sign-up

This walk requires you to sign up to attend or join a waitlist if walk is full. Please submit your email and the number of walkers that will be attending with you below.

14 on waitlist

Gallery
Canada's National Arts Centre/Centre national des Arts The open staircase and seating area in the new addition of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. NAC/CNA - Salon Doors - Portes du salon
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk