Cédric Pelletier
Conseiller en communications stratégiques
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), in partnership with the National Capital Commission (NCC), officially opened the Geography and Exploration Pavilion today at 50 Sussex Drive. This pavilion is located along Confederation Boulevard, Canada’s ceremonial and discovery route, which runs through our nation’s capital, highlighting important Canadian landmarks such as Parliament Hill, museums, monuments, and Rideau Hall.
The Geography and Exploration Pavilion is one of ten Confederation Pavilions marking Canada’s 150th anniversary. In a true spirit of collaboration, the NCC and the RCGS will be hosting two dynamic exhibits at this architecturally significant pavilion, which visitors can enjoy free of charge from June 29th to September 30th, 2017, Tuesday through Sunday.
The main floor will feature The Plan for Canada’s Capital, 2017 – 2067: A Place for Canadians exhibit. This interactive exhibit will familiarize visitors with the NCC and explain its role in the planning, stewardship, conservation and creative development of Canada’s Capital Region. The exhibit will present the NCC’s plan for developing the federal lands in the nation’s capital over the course of the next 50 years, from 2017 to Canada’s bicentennial in 2067. Visitors will also be able to provide their feedback on the implementation of the 50-year plan and its 17 milestone projects.
The second floor of the pavilion will display Thirteen Moons, the latest work by Alex Janvier, one of Canada’s most celebrated Canadian artists on loan to the Society. A pioneer of contemporary Indigenous art, Janvier explores the concept of time in a 13-panel mural, arranged in a circle to represent the 13 moon cycles of a traditional Indigenous calendar year. Upon entering the circle, the panels form an almost ceremonial space where the viewer is surrounded on all sides by Janvier’s artistic vision. In his distinctive abstract style, the mural expresses messages of change, renewal and healing.
The NCC’s Confederation Pavilions — a series of architecturally significant buildings that have been brought back to life by NCC partners in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary — are welcoming residents and visitors throughout 2017.
QUOTES
The Government of Canada is pleased to support the launch of the Geography and Exploration Pavilion. As part of Canada 150, this project will highlight the most innovative development projects in Canada’s Capital Region. In addition to showcasing the works of Alex Janvier, this pavilion gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous art and cultures, fostering a spirit of reconciliation.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
The National Capital Commission is proud to partner with The Royal Canadian Geographical Society to revive 50 Sussex Drive as the Geography and Exploration Pavilion during Canada’s sesquicentennial. The works of Alex Janvier and the exhibit on the Plan for Canada’s Capital will provide visitors with a unique experience in the picturesque heart of the nation’s Capital.
Dr. Mark Kristmanson, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission
The Geography and Exploration Pavilion that we are opening today will offer all Canadians – and all those interested in Canada – an opportunity to engage with our unparalleled Canadian landscapes – the physical, the human and the cultural landscapes that define this country and make it the envy of countless other countries around the world.
John Geiger, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Canadian Geographical Society