Canada Celebrates the New Canadian War Museum Official Opening
Ottawa, Ont., May 8, 2005 - Today, Canadians across the country joined some 3,000 veterans and their families to celebrate the official opening of the new Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Celebrated as the first National Canadian museum opening of the 21st Century, the Canadian War Museum has been hailed a world-class institution for its architectural design, historical significance, and thought-provoking exhibitions.
The Museum's official opening was the grand finale in a day of celebrations in the nation's capital to honour the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and the end of the Second World War in Europe. The celebration opened with a fly-past from CF-18s and was led by Prime Minister Paul Martin and Canadian Big Band sensation Colin James, who paid tribute to the generations of Canadians who have served our country during both times of war and times of peace.
The Prime Minister was joined by other federal dignitaries including the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage; Mrs. Claudette Roy, Chair of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC); Board of Trustees; Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the CMCC and Mr. Joe Geurts, Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum.
"Our military heritage is tightly woven into the Canadian national fabric," stated the Prime Minister. "The lives of all Canadians have been shaped, either directly or indirectly, by the profound effects of war. The new Canadian War Museum will honour all those brave men and women, who have lived through wars, both overseas and on the home-front, by sharing their stories with future generations."
"With every visit, I hope that each one of us will see a part of our own experience reflected within these walls," said Ms. Roy. "The Canadian War Museum is indeed a Museum that belongs to us all. It is the story of ordinary Canadians who did extraordinary things in extraordinary times."
Designed by world-renowned Canadian architect, Raymond Moriyama, in a joint venture of the firms of Moriyama & Teshima Architects of Toronto and Alex Rankin of Griffiths Rankin Cook Architects of Ottawa the Museum's construction was completed in remarkable time. Built along the banks of the Ottawa River, the Museum's design concept of regeneration serves to recognize that while nature may ravage by war, that it inevitably survives, regenerates, and renews itself.
"The Canadian War Museum is the latest gem amongst Ottawa's other national treasures including the Canadian museum of Civilization, the National Art Gallery, and of course, our Parliament," said Dr. Rabinovitch. "This newest addition to the city's cultural and architectural landscape reconfirms Ottawa's rightful place as one of the world's great capital cities."
The new Canadian War Museum is expected to receive more than 400,000 visitors each year and will play host to approximately 40,000 school children in the first two months of May and June. The Museum's mandate to Educate, Preserve, and Remember will be realized through exhibits that tell the personal stories of Canadians, at home and abroad, that have lived through war and conflict.
"This Museum tells a story that all Canadians should hear," said Mr. Geurts. "The reality of war includes uncertainty, human sacrifice, and destruction, but it also includes hope, perseverance, and rebuilding. The desire is that Canada will be part of a future that heals, rather than destroys."
Museum visitor services include a full-service library and archives, a boutique, a riverside café, dedicated spaces for rest and reflection, a 236 seat theatre, four ateliers, 310 indoor parking spaces, guided tours and a dedicated group entrance. The Museum is scheduled to present film and lecture series, host commemorative events, special exhibitions and educational programs.
The Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization are part of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation.
Information (media) :
Pierre Leduc
Communications Officer
Canadian War Museum
Phone: (819) 776-8608
E-mail: mailto:pierre.leduc@warmuseum.ca
Sylvie St-Louis
Communications Officer
Canadian War Museum
Phone: (819) 776-8636
E-mail: mailto:sylvie.st-louis@warmuseum.ca
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