A fun thing to do in Ottawa is to stop outside the National Arts Centre to take a photo with the sculpture of jazz great Oscar Peterson.
A fun thing to do in Ottawa is to stop by the National Arts Centre on Elgin Street to see the sculpture of legendary jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson. Canadian sculptor, Ruth Abernethy, created the bronze sculpture which includes a larger-than-life grand piano and the great pianist sitting on the bench alongside. The sculpture was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth in downtown Ottawa in June, 2010.
Since its unveiling this has become a popular spot to take photos either playing the piano or sitting alongside Mr. Peterson. Peterson grew up in Montreal, however, he had a strong connection to the National Arts Centre as he performed there at its opening in 1969 and received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award there as well. Peterson died in 2007 after a 65 year career as a recording artist and composer.
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Sophie
How fun!
Ottawa is such a great place to take kids. I had a friend who worked at the Norwegian embassy there for a few years, and we visited many times. My oldest, then 7 (and 8 and 9) loved it. She’s now 24 and still has very fond memories of Ottawa.
Leigh
I was in Ottawa just after Christmas and I missed that statue – probably because I was so frozen I only wanted to head somewhere warm.
I grew up in Ottawa but wouldn’t have appreciated his music at the time. Nice photo of your daughter.
jade
Cute! Ottawa has been on our “list” for two years now… I know Bob would take this same picture if we went!
Andi at The Particular Traveler
So adorable 🙂 Your recent posts are really making me want to visit Ottawa!
Mary @ The World Is A Book
Cute picture! What a cool statue and sculpture. I’m also in awe at his long and productive career – definitely needed to be memorialized for that.
Denise
That’s so cute, and the sculpture is beautiful.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Ottawa is a wonderful place to take kids. It had been a few years since we had been and I had forgotten just how much I loved the city!
Lisa Goodmurphy
I know what you mean about the cold – I have visited Ottawa twice during the winter months and I didn’t spend much time wandering the streets – I got back indoors as quickly as possible!
Lisa Goodmurphy
You have to visit Ottawa, Jade, it is a beautiful city – and I want to see the pic of Bob playing the piano! 🙂
Lisa Goodmurphy
You would love Ottawa! It’s a beautiful city with lots of outdoor activities, great museums, and great restaurants too. We have been several times and I always forget just how much I love it until I’m back.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Mary – he was a Canadian legend! Emma, of course, didn’t have a clue who he was but she did have fun playing at the sculpture.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Denise and I’ll stop by by to enter your giveaway – thanks for letting me know.
Nancie
Wonderful shot, and a nice piece of Canadian history. Next time I’m home I’ll have to try and visit this.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista
I love this sculpture! Not our usual standing person but they really made it personal by adding a piano. You can definitely learn a lot about a city by their sculptures!
Cathy Sweeney
What a nice honor for the sculptor to have it unveiled by Queen Elizabeth. Great pic!
InsideJourneys
Oh, I didn’t realize that there was a sculpture of Oscar Peterson at the NAC or that he performed at the opening. Trying to make it there next month, will definitely check it out.
Bob R
I’m a BIG Oscar Peterson fan. Was THRILLED when Canada issued a stamp in 2005. 🙂
Dick Jordan
Love street sculpture like this.
Lisa
I’ve never experienced Ottawa, I hope to make it there one day. I love this photo, it’s sweet.
femmefrugality
So neat! If I’m ever in Ottawa, I’llhave to make sure to stop by and snap my own shot. 🙂
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Nancie! I love seeing all of the sculptures in Ottawa and this one was a nice surprise as it is new since the last time that we were in the city. We were by it a couple of times before we were able to get a photo because of the crowds that always seemed to be around it.
Lisa Goodmurphy
It’s a wonderful sculpture -his face is full of warmth and personality not like the typical sculpture that one sees and his piano was really an extension of him so it had to be included.
Lisa Goodmurphy
I imagine that she was thrilled – and probably a little nervous too!
Lisa Goodmurphy
It’s a fairly new sculpture – definitely check it out when you are in Ottawa – it’s hard to miss!
Lisa Goodmurphy
He was an amazing musician! I had no idea that this sculpture even existed until we happened on it as we were walking by.
Lisa Goodmurphy
So do I, Dick – makes walking around the city even more interesting!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Ottawa is a wonderful city to visit – I highly recommend it! I prefer it in the summer because I’m not a fan of cold weather, however, a lot of people love it in the winter too.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Definitely try to make it to Ottawa – it’s a wonderful city to visit!
lisa wood
Gosh that looks so real! Love the photo of your daughter playing the piano with Mr Peterson big wonderful smile looking on 🙂
Lisa Goodmurphy
Emma had a lot of fun pretending to play that piano. We didn’t get to take the photo until the third or fourth time that we walked by because there were always so many people crowded around. She was so happy when we walked down the street and saw that there was nobody there so she could “play” to her heart’s content!
Janeen @ Green Global Travel
Awesome post about pianist Mr. Peterson and his sculpture! Thanks forsharing!