Latest renovation updates
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February 2018
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February 22, 2018
Reopening the GGPAA Hall of Honour
In late February the National Arts Centre officially opened the new Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Hall of Honour. The corridor features photos of laureates from the past 25 years.
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January 2018
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January 17, 2018
The Kipnes Lantern: Beacon for the Arts
The National Arts Centre’s Kipnes Lantern has come alive. The three-storey signature element of the NAC’s $110.5 million architectural rejuvenation illuminates the heart of our Nation’s Capital with flourishes of beautiful digital images. In one tableau, swirling blue, red and purple textures emerge from a musician’s guitar. In another, a dancer seemingly takes flight as colourful lines ripple from their movements.
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November 2017
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November 1, 2017
Free community activities
This season, construction noise has finally been replaced by the sound of silence at the NAC. Every Monday morning at 7:30 am, a small but growing group of community members drop into the new NAC atrium for a free Movement in Meditation class.
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September 2017
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September 26, 2017
A Beautiful Space is Born
The O’Born Room, the National Arts Centre’s spectacular new event space, hosted its first reception on September 26th, 2017.
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July 2017
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July 1, 2017
July 1st NAC Ribbon Cutting
On July 1st, 150 people including His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, artists, architects, construction workers, and NAC patrons cut the ribbon to officially open the spectacular new glass atrium at the National Arts Centre.
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June 2017
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June 28, 2017
National Arts Centre lifts curtain on $110.5M reno
The first phase of the National Arts Centre's $110.5-million renovation was on display Wednesday in a sneak preview of what's expected to open to the public on Canada Day.
The national theatre's newly renovated Elgin Street entrance, relocated box office and main floor of the north atrium will be open for public tours on July 1.
Source: CBC/Radio-Canada
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May 2017
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April 2017
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April 9, 2017
What would Hamilton Southam say?
He had picked Polish architect Fred Lebensold to design the NAC to stand with gravitas and look like a bunker. But times have changed, and Southam, says his daughter, would be “overjoyed” by what’s happening now because it is evident Donald Schmitt, of the Toronto firm Diamond Schmitt Architects, admires and respects what is already there.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
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January 2017
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January 4, 2017
The NAC’s Mega Makeover
Watch this CTV National News update about the NAC Architectural Rejuvenation Project.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1028691
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December 2016
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December 20, 2016
NAC changes its address to 1 Elgin Street
It is one of the most famous landmarks in Canada, visited by millions of people annually. However, few people know the place has a street address: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, better known as Parliament Hill and home to Canada’s seat of government. Now there is a brand new address – located in the shadow of the Peace Tower – vying to become known as the place where the performing arts live. Presenting “1 Elgin”, address of Canada’s National Arts Centre. The change of civic address from 53 to 1 Elgin (or One Elgin) came as a... Read more
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December 1, 2016
Sensational New Southam Hall
The National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall was state of the art when it opened in 1969. However, the way an audience experiences the performing arts has evolved dramatically since then. That’s why Southam Hall is undergoing a dramatic transformation.
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November 2016
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October 2016
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October 28, 2016
Why is the entrance to the NAC on the Rideau Canal's side?
Carl Martin explains why the NAC entrance is located on the Rideau Canal's side instead of on Elgin Street. This will be modified upon completion of the construction work on July 1, 2017.
(video in French only)
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October 27, 2016
Visit from Radio-Canada
Radio-Canada dropped by for a visit to give everyone an update on the renovations.
Watch the video for exclusive footage of the building as well as additional information about the project itself.
(video in French only)
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September 2016
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September 30, 2016
The New NAC Rising!
The transformation of the National Arts Centre building has seen incredible progress since February 9, 2016, when a group of dignitaries held a special groundbreaking ceremony in the NAC Fourth Stage. Relive the first 250 days of the NAC Architectural Rejuvenation Project, including the demolition of the old Panorama Room, the erection of the steel structure for the new NAC atrium, the installation of the wooden roof/ceiling coffers of the new Elgin Street Entrance, and the dramatic overhaul of the NAC’s largest venue, Southam... Read more
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September 8, 2016
Coffer Installation
PCL Constructors dropped the wooden roof/ceiling coffers into place on the new tower entrance at Elgin Street and along the new extension closer to the Rideau Canal.
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September 1, 2016
The inspiration behind the NAC’s Architectural Rejuvenation
Jennifer Mallard, Project Architect for the NAC rejuvenation (Diamond Schmitt Architects) speaks about the design heritage of the NAC and its transformation to a light-filled, welcoming and accessible space.
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August 2016
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August 19, 2016
New Elgin St. entrance takes shape
The framework for the National Arts Centre's new Elgin St. entrance is almost complete. This drone footage provides a top down view of the new digital lantern that will function as a beacon for Canada's national stage. The new NAC will include improved performance spaces, public areas for education and events, full accessibility for people with mobility challenges, and a magnificent glass atrium with a glittering entrance on Elgin Street, embracing Confederation Square and some of the most iconic views of important landmarks... Read more
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July 2016
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July 27, 2016
Time-lapse: June 27 to July 27, 2016
This time-lapse video will give you a glimpse into the future as our new glass entrance takes shape.
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July 21, 2016
Bird's-eye view over the construction site
Soar high above the NAC Construction site listening to the NAC Orchestra's recording of Brahms Symphony NO. 4.
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July 12, 2016
Southam Hall facelift begins
This major facelift is unlike anything Southam Hall has seen since the building opened. Better seats, better sound and better access. Read more.
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June 2016
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June 29, 2016
Southam Hall seats donated to three theatres
The NAC will donate more than 1,300 seats to the Studio Theatre in Perth, Ontario, Ottawa's Woodroffe High School, and the Astor Theatre in Liverpool, Nova Scotia - the province's oldest performing arts venue. The renovation of Southam Hall will continue over the summer.
Read more
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June 28, 2016
Steel framing begins
The first steel column of the NAC lantern has been erected on Elgin Street. On the same day the Board of the National Capital Commission unanimously approved our plan to project images on the digital lantern.
The National Arts Centre will use the digital lantern to display digital imagery of artists across from Canada, as well as performances happening at the NAC and important national celebrations such as Canada Day, Remembrance Day and Winterlude.
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June 15, 2016
Drone Footage of NAC Construction site
A great deal of progress has been made on the NAC renovation project. Vast sections of the precast concrete exterior have been removed and the Fourth Stage and Panorama terrace have been demolished to make way for the new additions. This drone footage captured by PCL Constructors provides a bird's-eye view of the entire site with a lovely shot of Parliament Hill as an added bonus.
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June 13, 2016
Fourth Stage demolition
Our beloved Fourth Stage has been demolished. Although it tugs at our heartstrings we look forward to a brand new performance space to showcase incredible artists.
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June 11, 2016
The show must go on!
Nothing could stop the GG Performing Arts Awards last weekend, not construction, or a sinkhole. Colm Feore our unflappable host, gets directions from the NAC's President and CEO, Peter Herrndorf to get to the stage.
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June 4, 2016
Hoarding updated
The plywood hoarding on Elgin St. was updated with photos of musicians, artists and illustrations of the new building. The new look represents some of the exciting programming in the 16-17 season.
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May 2016
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May 13, 2016
The “big beam” floats through the NAC lobby
In mid May PCL construction completed a significant milestone in the NAC renovation project. Members of Ironworkers local 765 installed a 10 ton (9071 kg) steel beam to support the new addition at the north end of the building.
Watch as the team moves a 10 ton steel beam through the lobby on a cushion of air!
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May 6, 2016
Latest renovation photos
The NAC is starting to tear down the old to prepare for the new. The exterior walls are being taken down and will soon be replaced with new glass extended walls that will offer a great view of downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Interior work is also underway in the parking and at Elgin Street level, where the new and much more accessible main entrance will be. Browse our photo album for more.
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May 2, 2016
Panorama Room elevator is getting a major refit
Panorama Room elevator is now closed until October for a major refit. This means access to the main foyer from levels 2 and 3 of the parking garage will be affected. All accessible parking will be moved to the upper level 1 parking garage at that time to ensure visitors who are mobility impaired can access the main foyer.
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April 2016
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April 21, 2016
Start of Building Demolition
Workers demolish the NAC digital marquee at the corner of Elgin Street and Freiman Lane. Sections of the precast concrete exterior of the building are removed in preparation for the new Elgin Street entrance and Fourth Stage.
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April 18, 2016
Elgin Door Closes
The NAC’S Elgin Street Door is now closed. Pedestrians are being redirected to the NAC main foyer via the Mackenzie King Bridge. Patrons will be redirected to these entrances via colourful signs and helpful volunteers.
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April 11, 2016
Access to Freiman Lane Changes
Freiman Lane is closed Monday to Friday from midnight to 5 p.m. However, Freiman Lane will continue to be fully accessible until July 1 on weekdays in the evening and on weekends during performance times.
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April 4, 2016
Hoarding Installation Starts
Hoarding is being installed along the northeastern edge of the National Arts Centre along Elgin Street all the way around to the Box Office area facing the Rideau Canal.
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March 2016
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March 4, 2016
The Satellite Box Office, Welcome Centre and Donors’ Circle opens
The new space will serve as an oasis for patrons, subscribers and donors from the construction taking place over the next 18 months across the street at the NAC. It will be a comfortable place to take care of ticketing needs, get a cup of coffee and find out the latest NAC news.
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March 3, 2016
Architect Donald Schmitt explains the design vision and features of the NACs’ architectural rejuvenation
Watch a presentation by internationally renowned architect Donald Schmitt explaining the design vision and features of the NACs’ architectural rejuvenation. With its new wings of glowing transparent atriums and accessible publics spaces, this renovation will bring the building into the 21st century while maintaining a respect for the geometry of the original 1960s Fred Lebensold architecture.
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February 2016
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February 19, 2016
“Untitled” by Jessie Oonark moves
“Untitled” by Jessie Oonark (typically referred to as the Oonark Tapestry) will be temporarily stored away, as a result of the ongoing renovations at the NAC.
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February 18, 2016
“Musica” by Leonardo Nierman moves
“Musica” by Leonardo Nierman will be temporarily stored away, as a result of the ongoing renovations at the NAC.
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February 11, 2016
The Glenn Gould Piano moves
CD 318, the storied Steinway piano of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, will be temporarily stored at the Canadian Museum of Nature, as a result of the ongoing renovations at the NAC. Read more
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February 9, 2016
NAC Ground Breaking Ceremony