Outstanding special exhibits! The cultural offerings of Ottawa’s many museums and galleries are second to none. This summer is no exception!
The National Gallery of Canada presents its blockbuster exhibit Van Gogh: Up Close which explores the artist’s representation of nature, in particular his innovative use of the close-up view. Visitors can marvel at 45 of the renowned Dutch artist’s paintings, plus 50 drawings and etchings from artists he heavily influenced. Until September 3, 2012.
This Canadian exclusive is complemented by an IMAX film, Van Gogh: Brush with Genius, shown at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Until September 3, 2012.
Ottawa Tourism offers a Van Gogh Experience package deal that includes accommodations, passes to the exhibit and to the IMAX film, and a special Van Gogh menu at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro @ Signatures.
For a whale of a good time, make your way to the Canadian Museum of Nature for Whales Tohorā: The Exhibition and explore the dramatic undersea world of whales. It’s fun for adults and children alike! Experience a sperm whale hunting a giant squid, as well as the immense size and amazing sounds of whales in the wild. Plus, get up close and personal with whale bones and skeletons— you can even crawl through a full-sized replica of a blue whale heart (it’s as big as a Volkswagen)! Until September 3, 2012.
The exhibit MAYA: Secrets of their Ancient World, presented at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, takes you on a journey through the heart of a great Maya city. Explore the sacred roles of the Maya’s divine rulers, the elaborate writing and counting systems, the cycles of life and death, and even the truth behind the 2012 end-of-days legend! A collection of nearly 250 fascinating artifacts makes the mysteries come alive. Until October 28, 2012.
Meanwhile, the Canadian War Museum commemorates the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The innovative exhibit 1812 examines the causes and conduct of the war from the perspective of each of the four central participants: Canada, the United States, Great Britain and Native Americans. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a richer and deeper understanding of a conflict that helped shape Canada into the nation it is today. Until January 6, 2013.
Sex: A Tell-All Exhibition has been getting a lot of attention for the Canada Science and Technology Museum! The exhibition offers a rare opportunity for adolescents to get reliable answers to their questions about sexuality. Visitors between 12 and 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Until January 6, 2013.
