national arts centre

We were invited to a dance performance, which is not something I thought I would enjoy. However, the performance was wonderful! The calibre of the performance was world class. The staff - attendants, coat check, bartenders were extremely friendly and professional. We attended a reception at the NAC after, the food was great, and again the service fantastic. I will try to attend again, as soon as possible!

The National Arts Centre is pretty Plain Jane, no really, it's pretty barren on the outside in a kind of weird, even for the 60's, kind of way. But the content! Surprisingly perhaps, Ottawa's NAC gets a good helping of artistic talent both local and from around the world on an almost routine basis. It's also quite esoteric too with dance, theatre and musicals, modern and classical alike...they're all here at one point in time or another...and it's pretty good value too. And, it's unlikely that you'll run into a sold out performance which is strange one might think. If you don't get out much, or consider a trip to the local cinema a treat, then you're in for a very special visit. Bigger than it looks too. And who would argue with a view of the Rideau Canal on one side and the War memorial on the other...all of it within easy walking distance of the Parliament Buildings.

I realise that there is talk of revamping this facility but even as it is now it is fantastic. The interior has stood the test of time and the staff are polite and helpful. Residents and visitors to the city should make an effort to take in an event at one of the theatres, it would be worth while. Overall a good flagship for the capital city.

Beautiful theatre. The NAC Orchestra is my favorite. Staff is helpful. Too bad its expensive. Lowest pricing starts at 25$. And thats only for select shows. Then it jumps up much higher. I could go more often if they had a cheap night or something. Overall awesome.

I absolutely love the NAC. The staff are so friendly, the show variety is awesome, and the prices are reasonable. You won't be disappointed.

We recently visited the NAC to see "Alice Through the Looking Glass". We enjoyed the production immensely, and loved the National Arts Centre. It was fairly easy to find and the staff were very helpful in directing us to our seats. I'm sure I'll be back to see another production in the future!

It's quite something. Very beautiful. It's pretty easy to find our way there, and we can also ask the friendly staff and they'll help us find what we're looking for. There are many performances there and it's a very pleasant experience. It a pretty fancy place, and people dress up to go there (informal attire: suits, dresses, pant suit, etc. Not super fancy, but not casual wear). It's a pleasant place to go to for a pleasant evening (dinner and a show, just a show, etc.). I recommend it to anyone.

We attended "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde with their repertoire group in the Theatre (not the large Southam Hall) This was a perfect venue for this play. The steeply raked seats offer an excellent view from just about everywhere - the seats with poor views were blocked off. The play was well done, the sets very well done and the acting entertaining. We had a thoroughly good time. A couple of very odd issues though; the first was that at each of the TWO intermissions, only one small bar opened with two attendants serving - the line was nearly 60 people long and the intermission nowhere near long enough for all to be served. The water fountains are placed - very strangely - in the washrooms, with the fountain in the men's washroom just a few feet from the urinals - not appealing. Why the NAC would not open more bars and cash in on what looked like a middle-aged, moneyed crowd who wanted a gin and tonic. We surmised the union had a limit on how many staff could work? No sane or responsible manager would have staffed this way. Other than the intermission issues, the primary reason for attending - the play - was outstanding.

I visited the NAC for the first time to see Chris Hadfield speak. This is a very large building, but easy to get around. Underground parking is available and I think it was 11$. Pay in advance before your performance in order to avoid long lineups when leaving. We parked by the handicapped parking as it was very close to the entry door, so look for this area when parking. You can leave your coats and boots in the car as you won't need them. Our seats were in the top balcony, and the lineups for the bathrooms can be long, so make sure to pit stop in advance of your show. It was quite warm up in the balcony so dress light or in light layers, so u can easily remove. We do in advance of the performance at Le Cafe which is a few flights down from the main stage auditorium. It is very convenient to do this, but also a very expensive restaurant. The restaurant is classy and worth the price if you can afford an expensive night out.

The NAC has various theaters and rooms, where there are usually various different plays, concerts or musicals running. It has a very good restaurant, a great location smack downtown, and good parking (although it gets busy prior or just after a major play ends). I find hard to review a theater as your experience is dictated mostly by the plays or concerts you attend. My last visit was for a play (Wilde's the Importance of Being Earnst) which was very well executed, quite amusing and even my kids (11 and 13) loved it. Prior to that one we saw Once (Broadway on tour), which as also very good. Overall, our experience there is very consistent (good ushers, clean and proper theaters, good lighting and sound). Check what's on, and if you like it, is well worth a visit.

This gallery has some of the best art in the world. Artists that you wouldn't expect to be there are there. Will visit again.

We attended a performance of ‘The Importance of being Earnest’ at the National Arts Centre this past weekend. The production was very enjoyable and the venue was modern and functional. There were 2 intermissions and both times the refreshment kiosk was swamped with customers while another nearby refreshment area remained closed. Perhaps this business model should be reviewed.

We have enjoyed many performances and events here. The prices are a bit high for most events now, so rarely get to the big venues. But we have discovered a less expensive venue at "Fourth Stage". The setting is like a bistro with tables and chairs, complete with candle surrounding the stage. It is nice to be able to see the faces and expressions of the musicians up close.

Excellent collection of art pieces.Everyone was helpful and courteous.The place is very inspiring.Don't leave Ottawa without visiting the National Arts.

Besides the events, it cannot be visited and not much to see inside. Outside on the hand, they have a patio restaurant overlooking the canal Nd is very nice.