Architectural context
Alex Janvier’s dome mural, Morning Star, appears to float above the suspended staircase rising from the River Salon at the end of the Grand Hall. Visitors can appreciate spectacular views of the Ottawa River and beyond, to the Canadian Parliament buildings, from ground level and as they climb the stairs toward the mural. The integration of these external natural and built environments with Janvier’s artwork was fundamental to the design intentions of the museum’s architect, Douglas Cardinal.
© Canadian Museum of Civilization, VI-D-276, K93-4158
Conservation and Restoration
The Conservation Section of the Collections Management and Conservation Division is responsible for the preservation of the museum’s collections. When necessary, professional conservators treat the pieces in the collections to ensure their preservation and present them under the best conditions possible. That is why, in the spring of 2014, minor conservation work was done on limited sections of Morning Star. The lighting of the mural was also replaced by an LED system.
Anita Henry, a painting conservator, performs minor conservation work high above the River View Salon, May 2014.
© Photo David Strong