This morning I went to the Canadian Museum of Nature, just a fifteen minute walk from my house. Jenn and I ended up enjoying the big old building and it’s history more than any of the other exhibits there. The reason for that is that all the exhibits and the museum’s decor is cheap looking, old and tacky.
It’s obvious that precious little funding goes into this place. It also looks like there is very little vision there. In fact, when the original museum was proposed and designed, the idea was for it to be one of two anchors in the capitol’s urban plan. The Victoria Museum (as it was called) at the south end of Metcalf Ave. and Parliament at the north. All along Metcalf was supposed to be a grand, national promenade. Presently the best feature along it is Colonnade Pizza — a bit greasy but delicious.
Here’s where my dictatorial wondering comes in. Vision comes from one person. Ideally they can convey that vision to others and as a unified group plans can be made and carried out. Unboubtably that’s what should have happened with the Victoria Museum, Parliament, Metcalf Ave. and the whole National Capital Region. But for some reason — my guess is political wrangling — the vision was squelched. If I had the vision I’d want to maintain ownership of it and see my vision done right — like the architect of the Museum of Civilization.
…and if political wrangling got in the way, I’d want to over throw the government and be a dictator.
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