Centre for Geography and Exploration facts for kids
The Centre for Geography and Exploration is a special building in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It's located at 50 Sussex Drive. This building is the main office for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). It's also where the Canadian Geographic magazine is made. You can find Can Geo Education and other project teams here too.
Before it became the Centre for Geography and Exploration, this building was known as the Canada and the World Pavilion. It was a small museum that showed Canada's important contributions. These included Canada's role in sports, arts, culture, helping other countries, peacekeeping, and science. The museum had fun, interactive exhibits and special events.
The building has amazing views of the Rideau Falls and the Ottawa River. It's right next to the French Embassy.
Contents
A Look at the Building's History
Early Days at 50 Sussex Drive
Long ago, the land where 50 Sussex Drive stands was a meeting place for the Algonquin people. This spot is near where the Gatineau River flows into the Ottawa River. Indigenous families came here to hunt, gather berries, fish, and trade with each other.
The Canada and the World Pavilion
In the year 2000, the building was first opened as the Canada and the World Pavilion. It was part of an exhibition by the National Film Board of Canada. However, not many people visited the museum. Because of this, it closed down in the fall of 2005.
A New Beginning for the Building
The building stayed empty for many years. Then, in October 2016, the RCGS and the National Capital Commission (NCC) made an exciting announcement. They said the empty building would become Canada's Centre for Geography and Exploration!
The NCC also chose 50 Sussex as one of ten "Confederation Pavilions." These special places in the National Capital Region celebrated Canada's 150th birthday in 2017.
The renovated building opened in two steps. First, some exhibits opened in 2017. Then, the entire facility was fully open in 2018. In May 2018, the RCGS and Canadian Geographic magazine officially moved into their new home. One year later, the RCGS placed a plaque. It declared 50 Sussex Drive the official home of the Society.
Famous People Who Visited
Many well-known people have visited this special building. These include Jeopardy host Alex Trebek and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Famous conservationist Jane Goodall also visited. Other notable guests include Michael Palin, anthropologist Wade Davis, and astronaut Roberta Bondar.
What's Inside the Building Now
Exploring the Galleries
Today, the Centre for Geography and Exploration has two main galleries. These galleries are on the main and upper floors. They feature different exhibits. Past exhibits have shown the NCC's 50-year plan for Ottawa. There was also an exhibit called Thirteen Moons by artist Alex Janvier. Other exhibits have focused on the Inuit people of the Canadian Arctic.
The main gallery has Canada's first Google Earth Wall. This is a huge three-meter-high screen. Visitors can use it to explore geographical and social issues around the world. The exhibit spaces are also used for private events. These include meetings, conferences, and even weddings. They are booked under the name '50 Sussex Drive'.
The Alex Trebek Theatre
Another important part of 50 Sussex Drive is the Alex Trebek Theatre. This theatre has 280 seats. It hosts talks by geographers, explorers, photographers, and teachers. The theatre also holds "Can Geo Talks" events. You can also watch film screenings and attend Can Geo Education events here.
