National Arts Centre, Ottawa

Situated between Elgin Street and the Rideau Canal, The National Arts Centre (NAC) is a centre for performing arts in Ottawa. It is housed in a hexagonal building that is joined by roof with the Mackenzie King Bridge and was designed by Fred Lebensold.

The National Arts Centre (NAC) showed its first performance in 1969. Masterminded by Canadian Parliament as a centennial project back in the 1960s, the centre has evolved as the country's leading stage for the performing arts. It is also the largest performing arts centre in the world and the only one that performs in two languages. In 2006, the National Arts Centre was declared a National Historic Site.

The NAC orchestra is also quite famous, both at home and abroad. It is directed by Pinchas Zukerman and, apart from performing, continuously seeks new talents with an aim to further develop their abilities in the performing sphere. Talented musicians are offered guidance and plenty of opportunities to perform in numerous programs run by the NAC Orchestra.

During the year many Canadian and international artists come to the NAC to show off their skills: in dance, music, theatre and many other areas. Nutcracker is one of the NAC internationally acclaimed performances, featuring both national and international ballet dancers. The diversity of the NAC annual programs suffices to satisfy any art lover.

Vast spaces of land outside the centre are covered by gardens which are open to the public. Many works of arts are displayed at the NAC entrance and staircases.

When in Ottawa, make sure to spare some time and visit the NAC, and you will certainly find there something to suit your taste.

Why You Should Visit:
Exceptional stage & wardrobe crew, amazing orchestra, huge underground parking, central location along with reasonable rates make this a hot spot in Ottawa.