PAVILION

The Public Gardens (Giardini Publicci), in the east of Venice have been the traditional venue for the International Art Exhibition since 1895. The Giardini hosts thirty national pavilions, including the Canada Pavilion, built at various periods by the participating countries. Sixty temporary national pavilions are exhibited in venues throughout the islands of Venice. The Canada Pavilion was built in 1958 by renowned Milanese architecture firm BBPR of glass and wood surrounding an oak tree, its shape seemingly informed by both the wigwam and nautilus shell. BBPR was chosen by the Italian government, they were the top firm in Italy at the time. Building the Pavilion - and choosing a top firm - were part of Italy’s WWII reparations to Canada.

Canada had been invited to the 1952, 1954, and 1956 Biennale as a guest in the Italian Pavilion. During 1956 Canada had been discussing the possibility of a Pavilion with the Biennale, the Mayor of Venice, the Ambassador and with the City, and formally submitted an application on 24 September 1956. When permission was granted on February 16 1957, building began 2 months later. The Pavilion was inaugurated during the Biennale of 1958.