National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre sits along the Rideau Canal and houses multiple performance halls for theater, music, and dance events. The building complex offers varied spaces that serve audiences of different sizes and types of artistic presentations.

The building opened in 1969 as a project to support Canadian arts during a period when the nation was investing in cultural institutions. The brutalist structures became part of a wider effort to develop Canada's artistic heritage.

The venue has become a hub for French-language artists and productions, reflecting Ottawa's role as a bilingual capital. Visitors encounter shows that place English and French culture side by side throughout the year.

Access is possible from the Rideau Canal side, and the buildings are designed to accommodate different mobility levels. It helps to arrive early before a show to find your way around the different entrances and levels.

The venue houses a performance orchestra and music education programs that operate regularly. These activities let visitors watch musicians at work and learn more about Canada's musical scene.

Location: Downtown Ottawa

Inception: 1969

Architects: Fred Lebensold, Arcop

Architectural style: brutalism

Address: 53 Elgin Street, Ottawa (Ontario) K1P5W1

Website: https://nac-cna.ca/en

GPS coordinates: 45.42319,-75.69329

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03