TASTE & TALENT
The capital is a choose-your-own-adventure of Canadian flavours — from music and theatre , to cuisine and cocktails . Annual food and entertainment fests dot the calendar , while perennial must-visits include award-winning restaurants , vineyards and craft breweries , and national art institutions .
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The National Gallery of Canada ’ s collection of homegrown and international art starts with Louise Bourgeois ’ giant spider sculpture , Maman . Standing nine metres high , she welcomes visitors at the entrance . Reflecting an inclusive and comprehensive view of Canadian art , the National Gallery ’ s re-imagined Canadian and Indigenous Galleries ( opening June 15 , 2017 ) show , for example , works by The Group of Seven alongside Norval Morrisseau ’ s paintings and Osuitok Ipeelee ’ s sculptures . The city ’ s gallery scene will also soon have a bright , new canvas . A revamped , five-floor Ottawa Art Gallery ( opening fall 2017 ) will feature a modern , expanded space in which to showcase Ottawa ’ s rich artistic and cultural history , including theatres , exhibition spaces , and a rooftop terrace .
The National Arts Centre has always been home to world-class , multidisciplinary performances . The building is getting a makeover just in time for Canada Day 2017 . The NAC ’ s Brutalist style of architecture has been loosened up with glass , including a towering atrium as its new entranceway . Most notable of the internal renovations are those to its main theatre , Southam Hall , which saw improved seating and acoustics designed to enhance the live performance experience . The bilingual p h o t o s : c i t y f o l k ( j a m e s p e lt z e r ) above : CityFolk right : National Gallery of Canada inset : The NAC Orchestra
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