National Gallery of Canada

Lumsden’s first project in Canada, for the National Gallery Boutique, is inspired by Ottawa’s architectural and cultural landmark building by architect Moshe Safdie, which opened in 1988. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year the Gallery’s retail operation now has a store which matches any retail operation in Canada’s capital city and is a game changer for cultural commerce in the region.

The Boutique design draws on the building’s use of repetitive shapes and strong lines, utilising slabs and concrete finishes contrasting with textured timber to echo wood’s presence throughout the National Gallery.

A major feature of the design is an 11 metre counter which combines a jewellery display and cash wrap, sitting on top of an internally illuminated base with vertical timber thins around the face. The versatile and adaptable merchandising system is a bespoke design by Lumsden providing maximum flexibility for the retail operation.

“The Boutique is not only a great museum store, it’s a great store for Ottawa – as good as or better than the best retail in the city. It is equally important enhancing the visitor experience and as a vital revenue stream to enable ongoing investment in the National Gallery of Canada.”

Patrick Aubin, Chief, Boutiqe at the NGC