"[The Fathers of Confederation Memorial Building] is a tribute to those famous men who founded our Confederation. But it is also dedicated to the fostering of those things that enrich the mind and delight the heart, those intangible but precious things that give meaning to a society and help create from it a civilization and a culture."
Prime Minister L.B. Pearson, Opening Ceremonies for the Confederation Centre of the Arts, October 6, 1964 |
Canada’s National Memorial to the Fathers of Confederation
The Confederation Centre of the Arts was founded in 1964 as Canada’s National Memorial to the Fathers of Confederation, who gathered at Province House in 1864 to discuss the creation of our country.
All-Canadian Effort
Every Canadian played a part in the establishment of the Centre: each province and the federal government committed 15 cents per capita for a total of $5.6-million to construct the huge building. In other words, each Canadian contributed 30 cents each. This was the first time that all provinces agreed to give money for an institution outside their boundaries.
Covering an entire city block, the Centre stands on what was the site of the old Charlottetown marketplace. It houses several theatres, an art gallery, restaurants, and a gift shop. Open year-round, it showcases the best in the Canadian visual and performing arts.
The Dream Unfolds
In his book Honour the Founders! Enjoy the Arts!, Dr. Frank MacKinnon, who led the movement to create the Memorial, wrote: "Confederation Centre commemorates all Canadian achievements and potential featuring the cultural frontier and those engaged in pushing it back. … The building stands as an architectural work of art and showcase honouring Canada’s traditions.”
The Confederation Centre is the result of a dream shared by all Canadians – to create a place where our country’s history and multicultural character is celebrated, and where the talents of its people are nurtured and showcased.