The Kipnes Lantern is the signature feature of the National Arts Centre’s architectural rejuvenation. Rising dramatically above the NAC’s new front entrance, the glass tower incorporates cutting-edge transparent LED screens to display stunning images of Canada’s leading artists and productions.
Beginning every day at dusk, the Kipnes Lantern becomes a beacon for the performing arts in Canada, showcasing the breadth and excellence of the work being produced across Canada. On a typical day, it highlights upcoming productions at the NAC, as well as shows taking place on stages from Victoria to St. John’s.
The Kipnes Lantern will promote a range of performances from leading theatre, dance, and opera companies, as well as symphony orchestras across Canada.
For the first season of programming, which runs from January to June, the NAC will celebrate the work of twelve arts organizations from coast to coast to coast.
Learn more about the artists, photographers and productions displayed on the Kipnes Lantern.
The lighting of the Kipnes Lantern also marks the beginning of an exciting partnership with Moment Factory, well known for its innovative multimedia attractions ranging from Ottawa 2017’s immersive underground experience Kontinuum and the Miwaté sound and light show on the Chaudière Falls, to the Mosaïka spectacle on the Parliament buildings.
“The Lantern reflects the NAC itself–as a portal through which Canadians can share their culture and innovation with each other and the world,” says Moment Factory co-founder Sakchin Bessette. “It's an exciting start to the next 150 years of Canadian storytelling.”
The defining feature of the Kipnes Lantern is the transparent LED screens that have been installed on four sides of the tower. Provided by Vancouver’s ClearLED, this sophisticated grid of LEDs becomes practically unnoticeable when not in use, allowing for clear views of the Lantern’s striking interior. When the screens are turned on, the Kipnes Lantern is transformed into a high-definition video wall, providing exceptional clarity for both still images and video content.
Programming on the Kipnes Lantern is made possible thanks to a transformational gift of $5 million from Dr. Dianne Kipnes and Mr. Irving Kipnes of Edmonton. Dr. Kipnes completed nine years of service as a Director of the NAC Foundation in early 2017. She and her husband are leading philanthropists and have made generous gifts to the arts, health care, education and social services over many years.