I went over to the Canadian Museum of History to see the current temporary exhibit. Here is a view of the curatorial wing from the east. The flowerbeds are quite different from my last visit in May, when they were filled with tulips.
The graceful curving lines of the Museum are the design of First Nations architect Douglas Cardinal, who lives in the area, and this place is deemed his masterpiece.
Between the wings, we look across the Ottawa River to the Ottawa shore. This museum is the only one of the seven national museums in the area to be on the Gatineau side of the river.
The current special exhibit looks at the early development of royalty in Europe, namely in southeastern Europe, in the pre-Roman era. It starts with an artifact that is, by comparison, relatively new.
This is a replica, but one of the last commissioned crowns in Europe, made for Queen Marie of Romania.
This exhibit is the work of the Field Museum in Chicago, which organized it in collaboration with a number of museums in southeastern Europe across multiple countries.
The story begins thousands of years before the current era, before the very idea of royalty existed in this part of the world.
These figurines date to the Neolithic era.
I like the curving lines of the building. Cardinal seems to be a common name among the native peoples of Canada - here it's a very uncommon name indeed, though I know of one family by that name and they come from a place called Cardinal's Green which suggests that they must have lived in that area for centuries.
ReplyDeleteHe is a highly esteemed architect.
DeleteInteresting William!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThe museum has beautiful architecture.
ReplyDeleteIt does.
Delete...this is a spectacular building.
ReplyDeleteVery much so.
DeleteIt is a beautiful building! Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteThe 2nd photo is my favourite!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI always like it when you show us shots of the museum, William.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy visits here.
DeleteGlad the museum displayed the Neolithic figures in the circle, as they were found. The description, however, seeks to put a hierarchy of some kind upon them. But as a woman of many years, who has attended many women's circles, the business conducted, and the joys shared, continue to exist because there is no hierarchy, but total equality among the members.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteDo you know if Royalty in the pre-Roman era has attracted a lot of interest from Canadians?
ReplyDeleteNot likely. This is new to me.
DeleteWonderful post and photos of the museum ~ must be lovely to visit ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
You're welcome.
DeleteA beautiful looking museum.
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
DeleteIt is a beautifully designed building.
ReplyDeleteThe crown does have an Eastern European feel, unique and magical.
It looks good.
DeleteBeautiful building!
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteIt's an amazing looking building.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Very much so.
DeleteGreat architecture.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
Delete