Explore Northwest Indigenous cultures in an iconic space
Offering spectacular panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill, the Museum’s Grand Hall is devoted to Indigenous cultures of Canada’s Pacific Northwest. Stroll along a boardwalk composed of six house fronts, each created by artisans from a different Northwest culture, with thematic exhibitions. Appreciate the architecture of the space itself, which is built in the shape of an ocean-going canoe, including columns shaped like upright paddles.
The Grand Hall also houses a large collection of historic monumental poles and important works of art by Indigenous artists including Bill Reid, Robert Davidson, Beau Dick, and Alex Janvier.
Suggested visit: 20 minutes
To get the most out of the Grand Hall, we suggest giving yourself about 20 minutes to explore.
Exhibition: First Peoples of the Northwest Coast
Behind each of the house fronts in the Grand Hall, there are thematic displays exploring life on the Northwest Coast. Developed in association with Indigenous scholars and artisans, each display incorporates objects, voices, images and texts, speaking to their peoples’ histories, achievements and current realities.
Featured video
Grand Hall
The Grand Hall’s coastal village house structures represent the diversity of Indigenous cultures.
Explore the Grand Hall through images of some of its most iconic features.
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Online exhibition
Morning Star – Gambeh Then’
Get up close to Alex Janvier’s dome mural Morning Star – Gambeh Then’ in this online exhibition.
Resource
Haida Arts and Technologies
This learning package for students and teachers explores Haida cultural expression and technologies.
Video
Bill Reid, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii
Bill Reid’s iconic sculpture of a canoe carries human, animal and supernatural beings as passengers.
Admission to the Canadian Museum of History is always free for Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Learn more about admission.
