Cardozo and Fleury: A new graffiti art gallery belongs in the ByWard Market

Ottawa Citizen

05-08-2025

Graffiti, street and mural art are among the most dynamic and accessible art forms today. They're imaginative, emotive, colourful and often deeply meaningful. They resonate especially with younger audiences — teens, children and families — and their appeal spans generations.
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A Graffiti Art Gallery would not only showcase this genre but also legitimize and elevate it within Canada's cultural landscape. A place where colour, creativity and community collide. A cultural hub that draws people in from the Rideau LRT corridor and the ByWard Market's pedestrian-friendly streets. A space that celebrates street art, muralism and urban expression, while revitalizing a key heritage property in the heart of the capital.
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This would not be the first graffiti gallery in the world — Miami's Museum of Graffiti and the iconic Wynwood Walls have set a high bar — but it would be the first in Canada. And Ottawa, with its growing arts scene and national institutions, is the perfect city to lead the way.
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Reimagining Rideau Street and the ByWard District
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The ideal location would be an agreeable space, with easy transport access, and would have an edgy vibe. The Hudson's Bay Company building in downtown Ottawa sits empty: a massive, historic structure at the crossroads of Rideau Street and the ByWard District, a stone's throw from the current Senate building and a short walk from the main parliamentary complex. What if, instead of letting this property sit idle, we transformed it into something bold, vibrant and uniquely Ottawa?
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The former Bay building offers an opportunity to activate the urban streetscape. The George Street entrance, through the historic Freeman Mall, could become a welcoming gateway. The ground floor could house a ticketing area, an event space, and a rotating display of vibrant, large-scale works. The arrival of History, by Live Nation, next door at the former Chapters store, makes it well located for expanding programming. Imagine a massive mural wrapping the orangey-brick exterior wall — a bold visual statement visible from the heritage district capturing the attention for this historic location.
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The upper floors could host permanent and temporary exhibitions, including a dedicated space for emerging artists from Ottawa and Gatineau. The gallery could evolve over time, expanding or contracting based on programming needs. A blockbuster opening exhibit — featuring works by Banksy or Jean-Michel Basquiat —would set the tone.
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Importantly, the project could include ground-floor commercial spaces — cafés, pop-up shops, or artist studios — that support the main street and activate the street front. These businesses would not only serve visitors but also help reinvigorate this section of Rideau Street.
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This is an opportunity to construct a space that reflects the stories of all Canadians: newcomers, Indigenous peoples, youth, students and more. It should feel like a home for everyone.
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This project could be more than just a gallery. It could be a collaborative platform and a hub for Ottawa's growing art ecosystem. With the Ottawa School of Art just across the street, there's potential for collaboration, workshops and even an art supply store. The gallery could also include an exhibit exploring the history of the Hudson's Bay Company, adding a layer of historical reflection to the space.