A timely lecture that you won't want to miss! Federal plans are underway to demolish this iconic interprovincial link. Although the bridge was designated a national historic civil engineering site in 1995, the recognition affords no legal protection.

This two-part lecture begins with David Jeanes and the history of the Alexandra Bridge: the progress of its construction from 1898 to 1901, the rationale behind the selection of the cantilevered design to…

This lecture is currently available on YouTube for a limited time. Scroll down for the link.

This special lecture takes us outside Canada to look at how the Bauhaus — founded over 100 years ago — spread internationally and in particular, how it took root in Tel Aviv under the British Mandate in Palestine.

The White City area of Tel Aviv, constructed mainly in the 1920s and 1930s, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated for its “…

CLIQUEZ ICI pour la version française. 

Presented in partnership with Muséoparc Vanier.

This French-language presentation will explore issues related to re-development of the neighbourhood of Vanier, and provide a better understanding of the spirit of the times from which these issues emanated. The presentation will examine the roots of the neighbourhood and the announced projects in coming years, and provide insights as to how the…

How did an architectural style synonymous with medieval Europe become the style of choice in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Canada?

This illustrated talk will take us on a journey that begins in the Middle Ages, dips into the popular horror novels of the eighteenth century, crashes into the windswept, rocky coasts of Newfoundland and ends up in downtown Ottawa. The thread that links all these is an idea of “Gothic” that, while inspired by the Middle Ages, is constantly…

One of the architectural gems of the nation, now a jewel in the crown of the National Gallery of Canada, is the Rideau Street Convent Chapel. A captivating space, its rows of delicate columns support intricately carved and painted fan vaults, the only such set of fan vaults in Canada. Its extraordinary design is the work of its brilliant architect, Georges Bouillon, and due in no small measure to the superb craftsmanship of the woodworkers and painters who executed his unique…

Built in 1927 as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 180 Wellington Building’s most stunning feature is the dramatic mosaic on the vaulted ceiling inside the main entrance. Created by American muralist Barry Faulkner in 1927, the mosaic depicts “The Great Metropolitan Mother” protecting the insurer’s policy-holders. Acquired by the federal government in 1973, the major six-year rehabilitation of the building that began in 2010, included the restoration of…

In keeping with Ottawa Public Health recommendations, Heritage Ottawa has cancelled this event and will rescheduled it for a future date. Thank you for your understanding.

Built in 1927 as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 180 Wellington Building’s most stunning feature is the dramatic mosaic on the vaulted ceiling inside the main entrance. Created by American muralist Barry Faulkner in 1927, the mosaic depicts “The Great Metropolitan…

MARCH LECTURE POSTPONED

In response to the guidance of Ottawa Public Health with regards to COVID-19 (coronavirus), Heritage Ottawa has cancelled the March lecture.  We hope to have a rescheduled date to announce soon.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

…

January 17, 2020 — Heritage Ottawa regrets the cancellation of this lecture due to unforseen circumstances. We hope to reschedule soon. 

Our free lecture season continues on February 19, 2020 and runs to June 17.  For the full schedule, visit heritageottawa.org/lecture-series.

The Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin mission is to revitalize, reintegrate,…

Join us at 7 pm for two informative talks by recent graduates. Each talk will be 15 to 20 minutes in duration and the audience will have an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers.

This talk looks at the refurbishment, renovation and historical preservation of the ground floor of Algonquin College’s “B” Building. Built in the 1960s, “B” Building…

During the mid-20th century, Ottawa homebuilders introduced modern design to tract housing.

Some embraced the modern ethos wholeheartedly, while others sprinkled touches of it throughout their developments.  These houses made modern architecture accessible and in many ways, made it a part of mainstream culture in the city.

Although developers of Ottawa’s apartment buildings are less well-known than the architects who designed them—after all, it is a building’s appearance that endures—it was these local entrepreneurs who chose the architects, hired the contractors and took the financial risks.

This lecture looks at some of the most important apartment building developers in Ottawa and how they shaped (and reshaped) the residential landscape over the decades. Find out who they were, and what they…

The architecture of the Modernist movement once spoke of the future. Now the buildings of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s are past middle age. They need work — and a critical look. This problem of modern preservation is acutely important for Canada, which built many of its public buildings, schools and cultural facilities during the Modern period. How do we reconsider these places today? And what tools can we use to adapt them for the future?

O.J. and Isobel Firestone were passionate collectors of Canadian art.  In the early 1950s, they embarked upon a collection that would grow to more than 1,600 works by noted Canadian artists, spanning the modern era from 1890 to 1985.

To complement their growing art collection, in 1960 Dr. Firestone worked with architects Sam Gitterman and George Bemi to design a landmark modernist home for his family in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe Park.…

The department store was the product of an increasingly leisured middle class, a new consumer economy, and architectural innovations like plate glass windows, electric lights and passenger elevators. In comparison to the great metropolitan centres, Ottawa’s fondly remembered versions of these emporia of wonders were smaller in scale, but equally ambitious and great objects of civic pride.

To warm your holiday gift buying experience, visit stores like A.E. Rea and Co., R.J. Devlin Co…

The federal government, proud steward of many national historic sites and other designated heritage properties, has an important role to play in the preservation of Canada’s built heritage and historic places. MP John Aldag will discuss initiatives being considered and undertaken at the federal level, including through Parliament, and their implications for our heritage.


The lecture is free and there is no need to pre-register.

PHOTO: Cover of Preserving Canada's…

From the European guilds of the Gothic era to modern day digitally assisted techniques, John-Philippe Smith will discuss the history of stone carving as well as tales from his journey working as a sculptor in Canada and in France.

April 16, 2018 — Heritage Ottawa regrets the cancellation of this lecture due to extenuating circumstances. The lecture is rescheduled for January 16, 2019.

Join us for a special evening presentation by Pikwàkanagàn Elder Ron Bernard on the past and present of this vibrant Algonquin community.

Pikwàkanagàn, meaning “a hilly place,” is situated on the shores of the Bonnechère River and Golden Lake in Renfrew County. The Algonquin of Pikwàkanagàn…

We have all seen the problem. City Council-approved Official Plans, Neighbourhood Plans and Heritage Conservation District Guidelines – developed to safeguard communities’ criteria for density and building heights – are successfully challenged by property developers at the Ontario Municipal Board.  The four-storey height limit on a neighbourhood main street is rezoned to allow for a 10-storey building, or a large lot that contributes to the heritage character of a HCD is approved for…