The Canadian War Museum unveils three architectural design concepts for new Museum and invites public to respond
Ottawa, Ontario, May 14, 2002 — Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC), and Joe Geurts, Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum (CWM), in the presence of General (Ret’d) Paul Manson, member of the CMCC Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Passing the Torch campaign, and Raymond Moriyama of the architectural consortium Moriyama and Teshima of Toronto and Griffiths Rankin Cook of Ottawa, today unveiled three architectural design concepts for the new CWM to be built on LeBreton Flats in downtown Ottawa.
“One of the Corporation’s highest priorities at this time is to create a worthy home for the outstanding collections and programmes of the Canadian War Museum,” stated Dr. John English, Chair of the CMCC Board of Trustees. “The history of Canada’s sacrifices in wartime reminds us how fortunate we are to live in one of the most peaceful, and peace-seeking, countries in the world.”
Dr. Rabinovitch noted: “A year ago, the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced that the new CWM would be built on LeBreton Flats. At that press conference, we said that the architectural design of the new CWM would be unveiled in late spring of 2002. We are right on schedule. The final design selection will soon be made and will be unveiled on May 27.”
"This unveiling of the three design concepts is an exciting event and a milestone in many ways," said Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps. "For the first time Canadians will have an opportunity to comment on the design of a national museum project. I look forward to the May 27 announcement, when the Museum will unveil the final design."
As of today, the CWM is also launching a Web site that will allow Canadians to express their reactions to the three proposed architectural models and the proposed exhibition storyline. The public viewing of the design concepts will continue until May 24 at 2:00 p.m. E.D.T. on the CWM Web site.
“The unveiling of these three design concepts and our seeking public reaction to them represent a significant landmark in the new Museum project,” commented Mr. Geurts. “The CWM’s invitation to the Canadian public to comment on these three architectural models online is an innovative approach, and a Canadian first in the construction of a Museum.”
The vision of the new Museum regarding the contents of its permanent exhibitions is also available on the Web site. You can consult the site at: http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/cwme.asp
Construction will begin in the fall of 2002. The opening ceremony, planned for May 8, 2005, will mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe and the 125th anniversary of the CWM. The total cost of the project is $105.75 million, with contributions of $83.75 million from the Government of Canada, $7 million from the Canadian Museum of Civilization and $15 million from a fundraising campaign.
The Passing the Torch campaign of the Friends of the Canadian War Museum (FCWM), chaired by General Manson, has raised $12 million to date. “The success of our campaign to date sets an excellent example for all Canadians, as we strive to make the Museum a world-class institution worthy of those who served and sacrificed in the name of peace and freedom,” said General Manson. The FCWM is making every effort to reach its objective.
In order to keep the Canadian public informed of its plans, the Canadian War Museum will post regular updates on its Web site on the construction programme and related developments.
The new Canadian War Museum will be built on LeBreton Flats, in the heart of the National Capital. It will be linked to a ring of national institutions that include the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery of Canada, Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, the Supreme Court, the National Archives and the National Library.
Media Information:
Communications and Development Officer
Canadian War Museum
Tel.: (819) 776-8607
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