The Canadian Museum of Civilization

Patricia Morley is a professor of English and Canadian Studies at
Concordia University, an associate fellow of the Simone de Beauvoir
Institute, and author of Margaret Laurence: The Long Journey Home.

In recent years, the nation’s capital region has gained some truly
magnificent buildings. Set on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River facing
the Parliament buildings, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is one of
the jewels in the area’s crown.

Designed by Douglas Cardinal, the museum (itself a sculpture) has
sinuous, curving lines that reflect the geological past of a land shaped
by wind, water, and ice. Its striking entrance and flowing roof-lines
also suggest the carving and painting of Canada’s Native peoples.

Malak (Karsh’s brother) is known for his award-winning photographs of
landscape and architecture. He was the obvious choice for this
celebratory photo-essay on the museum’s beauties and popularity with
the public.

Malak’s shots of carvings by Native artists, of the Grand Hall with
its facade of an entire West Coast village, and of life-size historical
sets are filled with happy visitors. The museum’s engagement with
popular culture—from theatre to puppet shows, musicians, and
dancers—affords wonderful opportunities for human-interest photos. The
text is brief and unexceptional.

Reasonably priced, on fine paper and in full color, this beautiful book
could serve as a treasured souvenir or an impressive gift.