Historic Canada Pavilion restoration celebrates spirit of collaboration
Canada Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
Venice
Italy
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The multilateral partnerships involved in what is a historic restoration of the Canada Pavilion in Venice perfectly reflect the Biennale Architettura 2018 theme of FREESPACE, described by the Venice Biennale as “a generosity of spirit at the heart of architecture’s agenda.” Led by the National Gallery of Canada, the renewed Pavilion will be unveiled on May 26, 2018 at the 16th Venice International Architecture Biennale.
Made possible through the exceptional support of the Venice Biennale, the Venice Superintendent for Architectural Heritage, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and Global Affairs Canada, as well as the Canadian Embassy in Rome. Funding for the 3 million CAD restoration and its accompanying exhibition was provided by the Gallery’s Distinguished Patron Reesa Greenberg.
“The restoration of the Canada Pavilion has been a project spanning many years and two countries, involving the dedication of key individuals,” said Karen Colby-Stothart, Chief Executive Officer of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation. “None of it would have been possible without the financial and moral support of our Distinguished Patron, Reesa Greenberg, who was a visionary force in writing this next chapter of the Pavilion’s history.”
To commemorate the restoration and the 60th anniversary of the Pavilion, Canada Builds/Rebuilds a Pavilion in Venice, an exhibition organized by Réjean Legault, associate professor at Université du Québec à Montréal, explores the key moments during the 60-year life of the Pavilion.
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is producing a series of short films that document the restoration and the history of the Pavilion, reflecting an ongoing collaboration between the NFB and the National Gallery.
“As it prepares to be reborn, I’m thrilled that classic glimpses of the Pavilion and of Venice from Colin Low’s 1959 film City Out of Time will be featured as part of the exhibition,” said Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner and Chair, National Film Board of Canada. “The NFB is proud to be working with our partners to celebrate Canadian achievement in the arts, while preserving this moment for future generations.”
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has also played an important role in the restoration by providing technical and design reviews, design work and letters of support, as well as participating in site visits and meetings.
“The Venice Biennale provides a huge opportunity to share the innovative thinking and expertise of Canadian architects with the world,” said Michael Cox, President, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. “The Canada Pavilion in Venice is a beautiful structure, embodying the idea of Canada as a country in dialogue with nature.”
Initiated in 2014, the restoration project is being carried out by the Milanese architect Alberico Barbiano di Belgiojoso, who is working in close cooperation with Venice-based architect Troels Bruun of M+B Studio and Canadian architect Gordon Filewych of onebadant. Canadian landscape architect and Order of Canada recipient, Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, and Bryce Gauthier of Enns Gauthier Landscape Architects have worked closely with the Venice Biennale and the Venice Superintendent for Architectural Heritage on the redesign of the grounds surrounding the Canada Pavilion.
Owing to the unavailability of the Canada Pavilion during its restoration, UNCEDED: Voices of the Land, Canada’s official entry to the Venice Biennale, will be presented in the Venice Arsenale from May 26–November 25, 2018.
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For media requests:
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