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Published: November 16th 2015
Every modern nation needs a place to keep important artifacts and documents so they will be available for research and the enlightenment of future generations. In 1905 the Canadian government decided to construct an impressive building for that purpose in Ottawa, about a mile south of Parliament Hill. To this end they imported 300 stone masons from Scotland to build a Tudor Revival edifice with crenellated turret that they named the Victoria Memorial Building in honour of the late Queen. It had cost the immense (for the time) sum of $1.25 million by the time it opened in 1912.
The "castle", as it is affectionately known, was surmounted by a massive stone turret which soon proved to be too heavy for the foundation; in 1915 it was removed, no doubt much to the chagrin of the stone-masons for whom it had been their "crowning glory". It was not until almost a century later that a light-weight transparent substitute dubbed the "Queens' Lantern" (for Queens Victoria and Elizabeth) was added, to a very mixed reception by the public. I'm sure you'll have your own opinion, once you see the 2013 photo.
Over the years the Victoria Memorial Building has had
many tenants; it even served as the temporary site of Parliament in 1916 while the Centre Block was being rebuilt after a disastrous fire. Today it is the completely refurbished and modernized Museum of Nature with seven permanent galleries, a variety of special exhibitions, and great educational facilities. This blog shows only a small part of all its artifacts and exhibits; to learn all about its collections and activities, go to:
http://nature.ca/en/home .
My family and I have visited it several times, and I guarantee that it's a fascinating place for children of all ages.
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Nanci Phelan
non-member comment
Delightful
This was so upbeat and delightful. I have been at this Museum to see films many years ago but did not have the opportunity to see the exhibits. I did have the experience of enjoying the gorgeous stained glass and grandiose lobby with the marble and winding staircase. I'm so happy to hear this building is being maintained so well. I love the modern addition which merges old and new architecture even if it looks bit bizarre. I can see that you have had fun times there with your grandchildren. What a gift to the community. Loved the animal photos.... and that whale is pretty amazing. I saw a similar one in a museum in Tofino. You have to see them to appreciate their majesty.