Collections
The Crown Collection is showcased throughout the residence at Rideau Hall; highlights are presented during the Residence Tour and the Art Tour.
The Crown Collection
Since Lord Monck first moved into Rideau Hall, the government has acquired furniture and works of art for the official residence, changing the decorations and furnishings throughout the years. Today, the works of art and furniture at Rideau Hall are part of the Crown Collection, which enrich our national heritage. The collection is comprised of contemporary and antique works of art, traditional Canadian furniture, and pieces coming from Europe, the Far East and other regions around the world.
The Crown Collection is managed and curated by the National Capital Commission (NCC). It also encompasses the art and furniture of the other six official residences in Canada’s Capital Region.
New acquisitions are carefully selected and special care is given to their provenance. Representing each province and territory is particularly important in the case of Rideau Hall, which acts as a window on Canadian culture. The art and furniture at Rideau Hall were chosen on the basis of their history, significance, origin or connection to a governor general, in order to enhance the value of the heritage site.
The Canadiana Fund
The majority of new acquisitions come from donations made to the Canadiana Fund. The Canadiana Fund was established in 1990 to enhance the State areas of Canada’s official residences, through donations of the finest examples of historical furnishings, paintings and objects d’art. The chosen pieces reflect Canada’s heritage and artistic traditions, or are historically associated with, or complement, the architectural style of each residence.
Other Collections Represented at Rideau Hall
To broaden the range of works displayed at Rideau Hall, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General obtains pieces on loan from various museums and other cultural institutions from across Canada. The tradition of borrowing works of art began in the 1930s; as early as the time of Lord Bessborough, the National Gallery of Canada has loaned several paintings to Rideau Hall.