National Arts Centre: Canada’s Premier Performing Arts Venue

A Visitor’s Guide to the National Arts Centre: Theatre, Music, Dance, and More

The National Arts Centre (NAC), located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, is one of Canada’s most prestigious and vibrant cultural institutions. Opened in 1969, the NAC is dedicated to showcasing the best in theatre, music, dance, and other performing arts, both from Canada and around the world. With its stunning architectural design, multiple performance spaces, and a year-round calendar of world-class events, the National Arts Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the richness of Canada’s performing arts scene.

A Cultural Landmark

The National Arts Centre is more than just a performance venue; it is a national cultural institution committed to promoting and supporting the performing arts in Canada. The NAC offers a wide range of programming in both official languages—English and French—representing Canada’s diverse artistic talents. It is home to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, one of the country’s leading symphony orchestras, and regularly hosts performances by internationally renowned artists and touring companies.

In addition to its focus on performance, the NAC plays an important role in arts education and community engagement, working with schools, artists, and cultural organizations across Canada to foster the development of the next generation of performers and audiences.

The NAC’s Stunning Architecture

The National Arts Centre was designed by Fred Lebensold, one of Canada’s most prominent 20th-century architects. The building is a modernist masterpiece with striking hexagonal shapes and clean lines, designed to complement the nearby natural landscape and the Rideau Canal. In 2017, the NAC underwent a major renovation as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary, transforming its exterior with a bold new glass façade and creating more public spaces for visitors.

Inside, the NAC is home to several performance venues, each designed to provide the best possible experience for both performers and audiences. These include:

• Southam Hall: The NAC’s largest theatre, with a seating capacity of over 2,000, Southam Hall hosts the NAC Orchestra, major theatre productions, and large-scale dance performances.
• Babs Asper Theatre: A more intimate theatre, with seating for 897, used for plays, smaller dance performances, and live music concerts.
• Azrieli Studio: A flexible, black-box-style theatre with seating for 300, perfect for experimental and avant-garde productions.
• Fourth Stage: An intimate venue for emerging artists, smaller-scale performances, and live music events, often featuring Canadian and local talent.

What to See at the National Arts Centre

1. NAC Orchestra:
   • The National Arts Centre Orchestra is one of Canada’s premier symphony orchestras, known for its dynamic performances and dedication to Canadian music. Led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, the orchestra performs a wide repertoire, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. Concerts often feature world-renowned soloists, and the NAC frequently commissions new works by Canadian composers.
2. Theatre:
   • The NAC is home to world-class theatre productions, ranging from Canadian and international plays to Broadway hits. The NAC’s English Theatre and French Theatre divisions each offer a full season of plays, showcasing the talents of Canadian playwrights, directors, and actors. In addition to classic and contemporary productions, the NAC also supports indigenous theatre, highlighting the stories and voices of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
3. Dance:
   • Dance lovers will find a rich and diverse selection of performances at the NAC, from ballet to modern dance. The NAC hosts some of the world’s leading dance companies, including regular performances by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the National Ballet of Canada. The NAC Dance program also brings international dance companies to Ottawa, offering a global perspective on contemporary dance.
4. Special Events and Festivals:
   • Throughout the year, the NAC hosts special events and festivals that celebrate Canadian and international culture. Highlights include the NAC Gala, an annual fundraising event featuring performances by major artists, and the Canada Scene festival, which showcases Canadian music, dance, and theatre from across the country. The NAC is also a key venue for the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival and the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
5. Indigenous Theatre:
   • Launched in 2019, the Indigenous Theatre at the NAC is the first national theatre department dedicated to Indigenous stories and artists. This program presents works by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, highlighting the diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The NAC is deeply committed to arts education and offers a wide range of programs designed to inspire and engage young people. These include:

• Student Matinees: Special performances for school groups, giving students a chance to experience live theatre, music, or dance.
• Workshops and Masterclasses: The NAC regularly hosts workshops and masterclasses with visiting artists, offering young performers and students the chance to learn from professionals.
• Arts Alive: The Arts Alive program provides online resources, live-streamed performances, and interactive learning tools for students and teachers, making the NAC’s educational content accessible across Canada.

Dining at the NAC

The NAC is also home to 1 Elgin, a fine-dining restaurant that offers beautiful views of the Rideau Canal. Featuring a menu of contemporary Canadian cuisine, the restaurant is perfect for a pre-show meal or a special occasion. The NAC also has intermission bars for drinks and snacks during performances.

How to Get There

The National Arts Centre is located in downtown Ottawa, making it easily accessible by car, public transportation, or on foot. It’s within walking distance of several major landmarks, including Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

• Address: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1
• Public Transport: The NAC is accessible by OC Transpo buses, and the Rideau LRT Station is nearby.
• Parking: The NAC has underground parking available, with entrances from Elgin Street.

Tickets and Visiting Hours

The NAC offers performances and events year-round. Tickets can be purchased online or at the NAC box office, with a range of pricing options to suit different budgets. The NAC also offers discounted tickets for students, seniors, and families, as well as special pricing for rush tickets on the day of certain performances.

• Box Office Hours: Check the NAC’s official website for box office hours and ticket availability.
• Official Website: https://nac-cna.ca/en

A Cultural Hub for All

With its diverse programming, educational initiatives, and commitment to fostering Canadian talent, the National Arts Centre is much more than just a performance venue. It’s a cultural hub that connects artists and audiences through the power of live performance. Whether you’re attending a world-class concert, a powerful theatrical production, or a cutting-edge dance performance, the NAC offers a rich and dynamic cultural experience for everyone.