Moments in time: 27 years of memories at the Canadian Museum of History

Éliane Laberge June 29, 2016

On June 29, 1989, the Canadian Museum of Civilization (today’s Canadian Museum of History) officially opened its doors to visitors in Gatineau, Quebec. To mark the Museum’s 27th anniversary, we look back in time at some of the special events and memorable moments that have taken place on the grounds of our cultural institution over nearly three decades. From state visits to Canada Day activities, a lot has happened on the Museum’s site since its inauguration, and these are just a few examples. We’d like to thank Canadians and international visitors from all walks of life for helping us create these memories and for sharing our passion for history throughout the years.

: Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau participates in the official ground-breaking ceremony for the new Museum building, May 20, 1983. Canadian Museum of History, K83-228

: Canadian Museum of Civilization under construction, 1987. Canadian Museum of History, S87-1 114

: Canadian Museum of Civilization under construction, 1987. Canadian Museum of History, S92-8328

: Métis architect Douglas Cardinal during the opening of the new Canadian Museum of Civilization, June 29, 1989. Canadian Museum of History, K2004-412

: Céline Dion and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney during the Cystic Fibrosis Gala Reception, November 16, 1989. Canadian Museum of History, K91-1053

: Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1992. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2011-0055-0235-Dm

: Alex Janvier painting Morning Star on the ceiling of the Grand Hall, 1993. Canadian Museum of History, 73-27121

: Japanese drummers during Canada Day festivities on July 1, 1993. Canadian Museum of History, K93-3700

: Official opening of the Japanese Zen Garden by Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan, September 22, 1995. Canadian Museum of History, K96-549

: The temple-pyramid on the Canadian Museum of Civilization Plaza during the exhibition Mystery of the Maya, 1996. Canadian Museum of History, K96-2162

: Black Eagle canoe during a historical re-enactment, in August 1996, of the encounter between the Lady Washington — one of the earliest American trading vessels to come to the waters of the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) — and the Kunghit Haida of the village of Ninstints. Canadian Museum of History, K96-2293

: Presentation of an honorary Canadian citizenship to former South African President Nelson Mandela, pictured here with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, 2001. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2008-0420-0048-Dm

: Red Bull Flugtag Competition, 2008. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2009-0044-0003-Dm

: Astronaut Julie Payette visiting the Museum on January 19, 2010, to return the replica of Champlain’s astrolabe that accompanied her into space. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2010-0008-0018-Dm

: Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, July 1, 2011. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2011-0139-0115-Dm

: For his 80th birthday, the Canadian Museum of History honoured architect Douglas Cardinal — designer of its iconic buildings — by renaming one of its principal meeting and special event rooms the Douglas Cardinal Salon, June 9, 2014. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2014-0054-0028-Dm

: Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk visited the Museum on December 15, 2014, where he was reunited with the medal that he brought with him on his voyage to the International Space Station in 2009. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2014-0237-0016-Dm

: Casino Lac-Leamy Sound of Light Fireworks, August 2015. Canadian Museum of History, IMG2015-0282-0007-Dm

Did you experience any of these events with us? What’s your favourite memory of the Museum?