The Canadian Museum of History is in the process of a makeover, which started with a name change from its former title as the Museum of Civilization. Its permanent exhibits known as Canada Hall are being redone in time for Canada Day, while areas such as the First Nations halls and special exhibits continue to be open. It was a bleak afternoon when I came over, with snow falling heavily. A Christmas tree was lit up where the fountain is located, and the view across the river to Parliament Hill was ghostly.
This is a plaster version for a bronze sculpture by the Haida artist Bill Reid, titled Chief Of The Undersea World. It is placed on the level above the main entrance, and I photographed it before I left. It depicts a killer whale breaching the surface.
The corridor featuring the special exhibits passes by the Grand Hall to the left, visible through a translucent screen. The Alexandra Bridge can be seen out there amid the snow.
Tomorrow we'll start looking at one of the exhibits that drew me over to the Museum, which was in its final days. I can tell you that I enjoyed it, and that on more than one occasion, I thought that I'd have liked to have Virginia along, given her yearly visits to Paris.
My goodness, William, I can't get enough of your winter photos and I hope you will keep a few even when the weather gets warmer, I love them! :)
ReplyDeleteEven the Christmas tree seems to have an eerie atmosphere in these photos. The 4th scene looks very much like a Dickensian wintry London.
ReplyDeleteName changes do provide insight into thought. The killer whale sculpture is quite imposing. I'd imagine more so in person.
ReplyDeleteJanis
GDP
I agree with Gemma that 4th shot is faaabulous William! I like the design of the museum as it is, hopefully the powers that be will be satisfied with just a name change ☺
ReplyDeleteI like the 4th photo. Keep warm!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine why they would redo this place . looking forward to the Paris exhibit. Yes, I am sure V would enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteWinter has surely set in up in your part of the world. At least the museum will be warm inside.
ReplyDeleteCool place William
ReplyDeleteI like the 4th shot and the sculpture of the killer whale.
ReplyDelete@Linda: well, my July theme day post is already set- winter in the midst of summer!
ReplyDelete@Gemma: thank you!
@Janis: it's a big sculpture.
@Grace: I am more hopeful than I was when the concept was first announced- it felt like outright interference from the Harper government at the time and their narrow minded view of history. News releases since then seem to indicate this is more of a reorganization than had been concerned.
@Nancy: thanks!
@Janey: in a few months, I'll see what the new permanent galleries look like.
@@Sharon: it is warm in there.
@Cloudia: it definitely is.
@Karl: thank you!
We saw Napoleon's tomb in Paris. I love this building but in the dark of winter it doth appear rather spooky! Your comment on Ocala was funny. I wonder why you've not been to a barber? :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes you have to go out whether it's snowing or not. You visited a very interesting place and are keeping us up on changes.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a dull dreary day!
ReplyDeletecool snowy shots. i was wondering is that a mean looking dolphin ... but when back and i stand corrected. killer whale. interesting take on the design. ( :
ReplyDeleteThe museum has wonderful and good visiblelines in the snow.
ReplyDeleteKinda curvy today.
ReplyDelete@Lowell: it's a completely different mood on a sunny day at this museum.
ReplyDelete@Red: it is a marvelous place to see.
@RedPat: definitely not a pleasant day.
@Beth: I like Reid's style.
@Jan: it does, yes.
@Revrunner: very curvy!
I agree with the ones that like the fourth photo. Very moody, snowy and foggy. A timeless image, nicely done William. It must have been cold walking around.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine going out on such a day. The exhibits should be well worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteBeing a Florida native, I'm not sure I would fare very well in weather like that. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos of the Napoleon exhibit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice selection of photos. "Ghostly" is an apt description of Parliament. Is it my imagination or does the building entrance in your first shot look like a face that might be carved on a First Nations totem pole?
ReplyDeleteThese photos have dispelled any notion I had of fleeing the US and trying to sneak across the border into Canada. Too much winter!
ReplyDeleteI'll just have to find another way to elude Trump's Reign of Terror!
Lovely winter photos. The photo fig. 4 is like a old fashioned painting.
ReplyDeletewow, love these and agree with everyone else about #4! it amazes me that you are still out and about in that weather! we consider ourselves snowed in when it's like that lol
ReplyDeleteI am always ashamed when reading about Napoleon....that I don't know more about him by now....I do like that one of the walker in the snow.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for your faithful visits to my blog. Just too much going on around here with grandkids and all to do much visiting for the moment.
@Bill: relatively cold, but there are days in our winters when it gets a lot colder.
ReplyDelete@Mari: it's a typical winter for us.
@Lois: I love weather like this.
@Kay: yes, it does seem like that to me as well. Depending on the angle one photographs it from, it does seem to have eyes looking down at you. The orca sculpture is in that upper level, behind those proverbial eyes.
@Norma: snow is good for you!
@Tanya: it was quite a snowfall.
@Pat: I wonder, looking at that walker, if he or she was part of the work crew preparing the grounds. The museum was a good spot for the New Year's Eve fireworks view, though I imagine the building itself would have been closed by early evening.
It is a neat place. The first photo looks like a creature!!!
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
It does, yes.
DeleteLooks cold AND pretty!
ReplyDeleteNice architecture too.
I love the architecture of this place.
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