National Arts Centre - Art Installations since 1969

Though it is best known for the productions on its stages, the National Arts Centre has a strong collection of visual art that is presented throughout and around its building. The majority of artworks were commissioned for the opening of the building in 1969 through a new funding opportunity that allowed for a portion of the construction budget to be attributed to the “decorative arts” in public buildings. Since then, the collection has slowly grown through donations and a few recent acquisitions, reflecting Canada's diversity and culture. The National Arts Centre represents a transformative element in the history of the city in terms of accessibility to a vibrant arts scene. As Ottawa’s most important "Third Place" the National Arts Centre’s redesigned public spaces, unveiled in 2017 after a major renovation, are a welcoming environment for people to gather. The variety of artworks around the NAC make the building all the more fascinating and beautiful. Come and learn more about this rich collection of art.


Location
Route

The walk take place inside the National Arts Centre. We'll meet in the Atrium O'Brien. Enter from Elgin St and come toward the information desk a few steps down from the Equator Coffee Shop. From there, participants will be separated into two smaller groups. Each group will be guided through the building to visit several artworks at multiple levels of the building; both groups will see the same art installations but the smaller groups will allow for less congestion and better discussion with the guides.


There are no barriers to accessibility, as we will have the option to use the elevators to move between levels.

About the walk leader

Sarah is the Archives Coordinator for the National Arts Centre. She is a member of the team that oversees a mixed-media collection of artworks that were commissioned for the opening of the Centre in 1969 and acquired in the years following.


Olivia is the IM/Archives Program Assistant for the National Arts Centre. She is a member of the team that oversees a mixed-media collection of artworks that were commissioned for the opening of the Centre in 1969 and acquired in the years following.


Robert is the Senior Information Manager, Archivist, and Curator at the National Arts Centre. He oversees a mixed-media collection of artworks that were commissioned for the opening of the Centre in 1969 and acquired in the years following.

Guides:

Sarah Martini, Olivia Richmond, and Robert VanderBerg

When:
Date:Fri May 1, 2026
Time:10:00 AM
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
Language: English
Where:
Start:Atrium O’Brien - National Arts Centre
End:same
Area:Downtown Ottawa
Distance:0.5 kms
Accessibility:

The route is fully accessible.

Gallery
NAC Homage to R.F.K./CNA Hommage à R.F.K. Canada's National Arts Centre/Centre national des Arts
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk