The Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) was founded in Montreal in 1979 with the mission of making architecture a public concern. In 1989, we opened our current building, which features three galleries with rotating exhibitions, a bookstore, an auditorium, and a study room. Although use of the space has changed over the years, the study room now hosts both local and international researchers who wish to explore our collection. One of the unique things about the CCA is the ability for researchers to consult books, archives, prints, drawings, and photographs in one location—our study room. Here, we encourage scholarly discourse and create literal togetherness through the design of our space; our collections, such as Montreal architecture, are designed to engage local populations, while other unique collections (like many of our archives) bring together international scholars. Digitized archival items support architectural researchers near and far, and we are breaking down (literal) barriers to access by opening the study room’s front door and encouraging museum visitors to explore and connect with a curated portion of our Collection as an extension of their visit. The CCA’s study room is an essential part of the institution that, alongside our initiatives, enables research and researchers of all interests and levels. A tour of this space will highlight its thoughtful conception, including the lack of barriers between archival consultation tables, which enables and encourages scholarly conversation. CCA staff are also users of this space, encouraging further exchange. The tour will also share behind-the-scenes information about our management of the CCA Collection, including a peek into our storage vaults.
