In the rush of everyday life, we can sometimes forget where we are and easily overlook the privilege of our environs. Too often, it takes visitors to remind us to explore and appreciate the beauty and richness of Canada’s capital city. Last week, this girlaboutOtown abandoned her usual routine, accompanied out-of-town guests, and ventured out to see a few of Ottawa’s most celebrated sights.
In keeping with the spirit of the “staycation” however, we slept in and started later in the day, of course.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) stood out as a highlight. Here is why it was worthy of mention… 
With two kids and three adults in tow, we were ready to spend some quality time, but did not realistically expect to be able to sneak past the wildly popular Children’s Museum. We were surprised however to have managed a thorough tour of the First People’s Hall, as well as a pleasant and prolonged pause at the CMC’s current special exhibit featuring Mythic Beasts – Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids.
This enlightening exhibit captured the imagination of all in our group, and inspired more than a few drawings and discussions in the following days. Literary, artistic and musical references to mythical creatures abound through history, regardless of country or culture, and seem to manifest humanity’s collective hopes and fears. Learning about them up close and personal has no doubt left a lasting impression.
And, as noted, no trip to the CMC would be complete without a stop at the Children’s Museum. New and different in the mix this visit was another special exhibit, the Building Brainstorm. Aimed at kids, but entirely educational for adults too, this display is downright cool!
Using toys, drawings and interactive games, Building Brainstorm enlightens participants on the subjects of design, architecture and urban planning while emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability. By encouraging kids to brainstorm, and by demonstrating how, this special exhibit nurtures creativity and stimulates collaboration in an effort to imagine better communities.
How great would the world be if we all followed the stated Rules for Brainstorming?
- All ideas are welcome, even wild or silly ones.
- The more ideas the better.
- Try to combine each other’s ideas.
For more information about the Canadian Museum of Civilization and its exhibits, click here.
Photographs by me. Mythic Beasts image via CMC.
