Backgrounder
The Visitor Education Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial will officially open on April 8, 2017, as part of events marking the 100<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the First World War and the Battle of Vimy Ridge
- Each year, visitors from around the world come to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial to learn about and honour Canadian sacrifices and contributions during the First World War. The new Visitor Education Centre shares the stories of those whose bravery we continue to honour 100 years later.
- The façade of the 600 m2 centre echoes the character of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in both style and colour. The building’s rear wall features floor to ceiling windows allowing visitors to remain firmly connected with the surrounding landscape.
- The Government of Canada committed $5 million for the new Visitor Education Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The Vimy Foundation also contributed $5 million thanks to generous donations from the private sector and individual Canadians.
- In their role as project manager, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) awarded the architecture and design contracts to Robertson Martin Architects (Ottawa) and Bisson Castonguay (Quebec). The construction of the building and exhibit fabrication contract was awarded to Léon Gross (France). Construction began in December 2015.
- The Visitor Education Centre’s We Will Remember exhibit provides historical information and perspectives to help visitors better understand the significance of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Its title reflects the enduring promise made by a grateful nation to remember: Today, tomorrow and always.
- Conceived by a team of historians, museologists, writers and designers, the We Will Remember exhibit uses historical photographs, new media, artefacts and personal stories to provide visitors with a window on Canada’s First World War experience.
- Compelling elements on display include wooden tools used by sculptor Walter Allward, an original cross from the Battle of Vimy Ridge with the names of 57 members of the 15th Battalion (48th Highlanders of Canada) who fell during the battle, a reproduction of the Vimy Memorial’s stunning Peace statue, and a haunting 5 m by 4 m (approximately 16.5 ft by 13 ft) colourized photograph of exhausted soldiers returning from the Battle of the Somme.
- The Visitor Education Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial will officially open on April 8, 2017, as part of events marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It opens to the public at 9:00 a.m. on April 10, 2017.
- To learn more about the Visitor Education Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, visit canada.ca/Vimy-100.
