Museum of Civilisation
Sunday, 12th June 2005 by James Turnbull
The Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec is right across the river from Canada's Parliament Buildings. It was designed by famous Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, who also designed the Museum of the American Indian in Washington.
The building has absolutely no straight edges, it is made entirely with curves (even inside). There is also more copper in it then any other building in the world.
Thanks: David Novoa, Colin, Shawn, Patrick Gordon, Fernando, Quinn Kuiken & Noel
IVE BEEN THEIR, (DONT WASTE YOUR TIME TO GO THERE, IT NOTHING SPECIAL,SERIOUSLY) i just realized that i was writing with CAPS LOCK ON and i was to lazy to take it off, then have to write this paragraph out all over again. hahahhahhahahahaha cough hack weeze haha
Sounds interesting. I never realized that Parliament buildings was that close to Quebec. I assume that that river is the dividing line between Quebec and Ontario.
Actually I’ve been to that museum many times; it’s one of my favorites. The architecture of the building is very cool. If you’re in the area with the kids, I’d suggest visiting this museum.
CODY, this is called a museum and is mostly historical. I bet you just hate history. Sawn is right, it is a great place for kids. Dont miss out the IMAX dome theatre, its cool. I went there recently to see The Mystery of the Nile.
The Museam is a good place for kids, but as a Historian I found the displays to be a nice white-washing of Canadian history. There seemed to be little critical analysis of historical events, but more a towing of the line of traditional Canadian history – primairaly when it comes to English/French-Aboriginal relations. Granted, I visited the Museaum last about 5 years ago and I understand that many of the displays have been re-tooled but, much like the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., the Museum of Canadian Civilization remains a very nice, but bland, historical experience.
Oh, and in response to your question Luke: Yes the Ottawa River is the dividing line between Ontario and Quebec.
Ottawa and the Capital’s proximity to Quebec was certainly not an accident, and the proliferation of Government of Canada office complexes over in Gatineau-Hull is a big not by the feds to Quebec. If I recall correctly, one of the world’s largest office parks is over in Gatineau – local rumor is that it had nearly as many workers as the World Trade Towers complex prior to their destruction.
You are right about the fact that the chosen place for the capital being close to Quebec was not an accident. If you take a tour of the Parliament, the guide might mention something like Ottawa was chosen over cities closer to the south to prevent assimilation by the US and to preserve our French roots (Quebec’s population is mostly francophone).
French Canadians beware! We are coming from the South to “assimilate” you and your French roots! LOL
It’s actually happening! Not necessarily because of the US though. French Canadians (including me ;)) have a tendancy to use the English language more frequently than our mother tongue. Especially in the national capital region and Ontario. Some will even lose their French. I think I wont…
it’s the greatest museum i never saw. the architecture is beautiful, the subject are really interesting, and there is a lot of activities you can do.