A Focal Point Of The Museum

 Regeneration Hall is one of two focal points of the Canadian War Museum. The large space is contained in an angled spike that dominates the exterior of the building. A view from the balcony looks directly out a window towards the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. This was a deliberate choice by the architect, Raymond Moriyama, who had spent the Second World War as an internee. Photographs of him now and then are found here at the entrance. This museum is the perfect example of modern architecture getting it done right- suited for its subject.

There is wisdom in his quote. When the museum was being built here to replace the former location, which the collection had outgrown, this part of the building was open to the elements. The sound of the wind coming through was recorded, and plays on a loop as you're in here. It's a haunting, softly ringing sound. I recorded it during this visit- check it out right here.

This large painting, with the theme of sacrifice, hangs over the balcony. Descending from here via the elevator or the stairs is next.

Down below are the half-scale plaster casts made by Walter Allward, for the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.

They are of a mournful tone, all of them. The memorial was Allward's masterpiece, built on the ridge where Canadian soldiers had fought and won the Battle of Vimy Ridge in the First World War.

This is a model of the Memorial itself. France gave these lands to Canada after that war, and the Memorial is sacred ground. 

More from here tomorrow.