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The National Arts Centre: Reflecting on its Past and Present

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Introduction

In a 1952 report, Vincent Massey, the first Canadian Governor General of Canada, evaluated the need to establish a performing arts building in the capital. Ottawa did have such edifice in the Russell Theatre where operas, plays and orchestras to name of few were performed starting in 1897. Located in the Confederation Square, the Russell Theatre welcomed the elite Ottawan population. However, four years after its opening, the building succumbed to a fire. That same year, Russell Theatre was rebuilt, but in 1928, Ottawa decided to demolish the performing arts structure to embellish the city. Hence, Vincent Massey, a promoter of arts, saw an opportunity in reconstructing a performing arts building that would define a Canadian identity which was to Massey on the verge of getting invaded by the Americans. He promoted European connections since Canada was much more aligned to historically and culturally speaking. Massey’s intentions did not bear fruit until June 2nd, 1969 when Ottawa finally replaced the Russell Theatre with the National Arts Centre serving as a gift for Canada’s 100th anniversary. Coincidentally, fifty years later, the NAC unveiled a new façade made of glass on Elgin street. The new addition came as a contrast to the original building. After all, the NAC is a brutalist structure and the addition can be defined as a modern contemporary piece. Although the styles coordinate on the exterior to a certain degree, the extension’s interior offers a different story. This chapter will analyze the relationship between the 1969 building  and the new addition. By comparing the interiors, this essay will argue if the new extension enhance the original vision. 

Contents of this path:

  1. NAC - The Original Vision
  2. NAC - Responses to the original NAC
  3. NAC - The Interventions
  4. NAC - Reviewing the spaces
  5. NAC - Conclusion
  6. NAC - Bibliography

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