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All the United States Washington, D.C. Rotunda of the Provinces
AO Edited

Rotunda of the Provinces

An echo chamber with a waterfall wrapped around its base at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

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Ian Hall
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Rotunda Of The Provinces   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
Rotunda Of The Provinces   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
Rotunda Of The Provinces   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
The Embassy of Canada   Martin Kramer/CC BY-SA 2.0
Rotunda Of The Provinces   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
Rotunda Of The Provinces   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
Domed roof shot from within the rotunda   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
Rotunda Of The Provinces   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
Floor grates inside the rotunda   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
The Embassy of Canada   Mr.TinDC/CC BY-ND 2.0
Christmas tree in the rotunda   jsbarclay / Atlas Obscura User
  MonkeyB168 / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

One of the most remarkable architectural features in the Nation's Capital belongs to our neighbors to the north. Adorning the Embassy of Canada's southeast corner is a striking rotunda featuring a domed roof supported by 12 pillars. Each is topped with a crest representing one of the 10 provinces and two territories that existed at the time of its construction. There is a seal above the rotunda's entrance that represents Nunavut, the third Canadian territory, which was established in 1999. Beneath the rotunda is a circular waterfall that represents the mighty Niagara Falls, the most famous landmark on the border between the United States and Canada.

While the visual aesthetics of the rotunda are breathtakingly beautiful, the most jaw-dropping aspect of this magical place is the acoustical secret kept within its inner circle.  Quick glances at the floor grates and small hollows in the ceiling explain the bizarre echoes that one hears when stepping into the center of the rotunda and the powerful natural amplification of vocalizations made by visitors. Step outside the grated area and the effect immediately vanishes.

The embassy was designed by famed British Columbian architect Arthur Charles Erickson. He was known for his modernist style and the inclusion of light and water as prominent design features in his work, both of which are key elements adding to the splendor of the rotunda. Some of his other most famous buildings include the Museum of Glass, Robson Square, and Roy Thomson Hall.

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Canada Architecture Embassy

Know Before You Go

The rotunda is located between the Capitol Building and the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue. If the front stairs are gated off, the rotunda can also be accessed via a staircase on the right side of the building.

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Added By

blimpcaptain

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jongrantham, Collector of Experiences, MonkeyB168, Michelle Cassidy...

  • jongrantham
  • Collector of Experiences
  • MonkeyB168
  • Michelle Cassidy
  • jsbarclay

Published

June 21, 2021

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  • https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embassy_of_Canada,_Washington,_D.C.
  • https://www.dcdesigntours.com/single-post/design-spotlight-canadian-embassy
Rotunda of the Provinces
501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, District of Columbia, 20001
United States
38.892936, -77.018548
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