The architectural splendor of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights was on display Friday.
Officials gave media the final tour of the massive building’s completed interior before work begins installing the displays. The institution at the Forks will open its doors to the public in September.
Most Winnipeggers are already familiar with the building’s presence in the city’s skyline. Built to resemble a dove of peace wrapping its wings around the building, the CMHR is topped by the 100 metre Tower of Hope.
But the inside of the controversial, $351 million edifice is still a mystery to most. The exact content of the displays is still unknown, though officials have promised a unique interactive experience.
But in the media tour Friday officials showed off the soaring interior. Builder PCL sums up some of the visual wonders inside the CMHR:
“• The Garden of Contemplation that is nearly 930 square metres in area, containing hundreds of hexagonal columns of basalt assembled in patterns that replicate its natural occurrence, like that of the “Giant’s Causeway” in Northern Ireland. It will feature soothing infinity pools of water and live greenery.
• Eight hundred metres of glowing alabaster-clad ramps take visitors on a literal path of light through the darkness, represented in some areas by black concrete walls. Stone walls lining the ramp are lit from within by 900 metres of LED lighting.”
PCL says the total area of the museum is 24,155 metres spread over five main levels, three mezzanine levels and the Tower of Hope. The museum’s total area is equivalent to four football fields, PCL says. The top of the tower of hope reaches to about 30 storeys and is about 30 metres taller than the Golden Boy on top of the Legislature.
Of the museum’s $351m cost, the federal government contributed $100m and will cover operating costs. The province put in $40m and the city $23.6m. More than $142m has also been raised from private donors.
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