The Rooms, St. John`s (must see)
The Rooms is a remarkable cultural facility located in St. John's. Established in 2005, it stands proudly on a hill overlooking the picturesque port city, occupying a historic site once occupied by Fort Townshend. The building's name and architecture pay homage to the traditional gable-roofed sheds known as "fishing rooms," which were once a common sight in Newfoundland fishing villages.
This multi-purpose facility is home to three distinct institutions: the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador. It serves as a hub for preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the province.
However, the construction of The Rooms was not without controversy. Archaeologists and historians raised concerns about its location due to the historical significance of the site. Previously, the area housed Fort Townshend, an 18th-century military fort that was eventually buried underground. This sprawling star-shaped citadel, one of the largest British fortifications in North America at the time, was initially built to safeguard Britain's fishing interests. After the departure of the imperial garrison in 1870, the site became home to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and later the St. John's Fire Department.
Recognizing the historical importance of the site, it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1951. To address these concerns and honor the past, the planning and construction of The Rooms involved careful research and documentation, ensuring that future study of the site would be possible.
This multi-purpose facility is home to three distinct institutions: the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador. It serves as a hub for preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the province.
However, the construction of The Rooms was not without controversy. Archaeologists and historians raised concerns about its location due to the historical significance of the site. Previously, the area housed Fort Townshend, an 18th-century military fort that was eventually buried underground. This sprawling star-shaped citadel, one of the largest British fortifications in North America at the time, was initially built to safeguard Britain's fishing interests. After the departure of the imperial garrison in 1870, the site became home to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and later the St. John's Fire Department.
Recognizing the historical importance of the site, it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1951. To address these concerns and honor the past, the planning and construction of The Rooms involved careful research and documentation, ensuring that future study of the site would be possible.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in St. John`s. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Rooms on Map
Sight Name: The Rooms
Sight Location: St. John`s, Canada (See walking tours in St. John`s)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: St. John`s, Canada (See walking tours in St. John`s)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in St. John`s, Newfoundland
Create Your Own Walk in St. John`s
Creating your own self-guided walk in St. John`s is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
St. John's Introduction Walking Tour
The charming capital of Newfoundland, the city of St John's rises on hillsides on the easternmost tip of the island overlooking one of the world's finest natural harbors. The spectacular setting complete with its storied past has shaped this city into a prime tourist spot.
One of the oldest cities founded by Europeans in North America, St John's traces its origins back to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
One of the oldest cities founded by Europeans in North America, St John's traces its origins back to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles