Museum of Civilization in Ottawa
Visited the Museum of Civilization before going into the symposium.
Took a lot more time than expected. In addition to the normal “history of Canada”-expo, they also had a special one on “Pompeii”. Never been that much aware of either, so had to do both.
Photography in the Pompeii-chambers was forbidden, due to the clearly unstable nature of some of the items displayed. Quite a few casts made of people that succumbed in the roiling ashes, in addition to their surviving trinkets (some quite sizable jewellery), but a few definitely delicate items: pieces of cloth and leather. The whole expo was well laid out, with informative plaques describing the events from AD 79. And adding to the somewhat morbid atmosphere was a crackling ambient soundtrack filled with cries of anguish. Worth seeking out as the exhibition travels around the world.
The rest of the museum was devoted to Canadian history - starting from the point of First Nations (native canadians). Big room full of totem poles, had already seen some in Vancouver couple of years ago, so wasn’t amazed at their size, but carving and variety are indeed good. And yeah, the room is way bigger - containing multiple alcoves than what the image actually shows.
Past the totem poles were carvings, tools and quite well-explained histories behind the very variable First Nations - from Inuit to agricultural and even trade-based groups.
The arrival and settlement of the Europeans, first Vikings and thereafter the French and English forms the second big part of the museum. Divided into big displays in two floors - most visible from both, it’s nothing short of fascinating. And the skill with which the displayed houses and everything within is tied to context would have required more time to browse through the collection. Learned a lot on the tour, both on macro- and micro-level of history and was pleased how well aspects of the Canadian nation - both across geography as well as chronology were put on display.
The museum is located in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the Alexandra-bridge from Ottawa. About a mile or thereabouts from Byward market. Easily within walking distance.
And there’s a brand new War Museum in the city as well. Had to skip it this time due to time constraints, but am looking forward to finding out whether it’s as well done as the Civilization museum was.
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