# Canadian Centre for Architecture

> architecture museum and research institute in Montreal, Quebec

**Wikidata**: [Q2944913](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2944913)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Centre_for_Architecture)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/canadian-centre-for-architecture

## Summary
The Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) is a museum and research institute founded in 1979 by Phyllis Lambert in Montreal, Quebec. Dedicated to the field of architecture, it operates as a charitable organization and an architectural ensemble comprising the Shaughnessy House and the Esplanade Ernest-Cormier sculpture garden. The CCA functions as a hub for research, public engagement, and the preservation of architectural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1979
- **Founder:** Phyllis Lambert
- **Location:** 1920, rue Baile, Ville-Marie, Downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Postal Code: H3H 2S6)
- **Coordinates:** 45.491, -73.578555555556
- **Type:** Architectural Museum, Research Institute, Architectural Ensemble, Charitable Organization
- **Key Components:** Shaughnessy House (mansion, since 1989), Esplanade Ernest-Cormier (sculpture garden, since 1990)
- **Subsidiaries:** Canadian Centre for Architecture Library, Canadian Centre for Architecture Bookstore
- **Directors:**
    - Phyllis Lambert (1979–1999)
    - Kurt W. Forster (1999–2000)
    - Mirko Zardini (2005–2019)
    - Giovanna Borasi (2020–Present)
- **Employees:** Varies historically (e.g., 184 in 2004, 139 in 2023)
- **Revenue:** Fluctuates annually (e.g., CAD 4,883,021 in 2023; CAD 18,776,202 in 2021)
- **Total Assets:** CAD 182,716,643 (2023)
- **Visitors:** 67,666 (2011)
- **Website:** www.cca.qc.ca (English and French)
- **Social Media:** Twitter @ccawire, Instagram @canadiancentreforarchitecture, YouTube CCAchannel, Facebook cca.conversation
- **Tax Status:** Charitable Organization in Canada (CRA Account: 118830009RR0001)

## FAQs
**Q: What is the architectural significance of the CCA's physical site?**
The CCA is an architectural ensemble that includes the historic Shaughnessy House, a mansion integrated into the complex in 1989, and the Esplanade Ernest-Cormier, a sculpture garden established in 1990. Located in Downtown Montreal, the site serves as both a functional facility and a piece of architectural heritage.

**Q: Who founded and has led the Canadian Centre for Architecture?**
The CCA was founded in 1979 by architect and philanthropist Phyllis Lambert, who also served as its first director until 1999. Leadership has since passed through Kurt W. Forster (1999–2000), Mirko Zardini (2005–2019), and the current director, Giovanna Borasi, who was appointed in January 2020.

**Q: What is the primary purpose and function of the CCA?**
The CCA operates as a hybrid institution, functioning simultaneously as an architectural museum and a research institute. Its field of work is strictly architecture, aiming to advance research and public understanding of the built environment through its collections, exhibitions, library, and scholarly programs.

**Q: What major museum and library associations is the CCA affiliated with?**
The CCA is a member of several prominent organizations, including the International Confederation of Architectural Museums, the Canadian Museums Association, the Société des musées du Québec, and the Independent Research Libraries Association. It is also affiliated with the Canadian Heritage Information Network and the Virtual Museum of Canada.

**Q: How is the Canadian Centre for Architecture funded and structured financially?**
As a registered charitable organization in Canada, the CCA receives donations and manages a significant asset portfolio. In 2023, the organization reported total assets of over CAD 182 million, revenue of approximately CAD 4.88 million, and donations totaling CAD 983,801. It employs over 130 people.

## Why It Matters
The Canadian Centre for Architecture matters as a unique international institution that bridges the gap between a public museum and a high-level research institute. By combining a vast library, archives, and exhibition spaces with a dedicated research mission, it provides a comprehensive environment for the study and public engagement with architecture. Its foundation by Phyllis Lambert, a pivotal figure in architectural history, established it as a center of scholarly authority. The CCA's ongoing work influences how architecture is understood, debated, and preserved, serving as a critical resource for scholars, practitioners, and the public interested in the cultural and social impact of the built environment.

## Notable For
- **Unique Hybrid Model:** Combines the functions of an architectural museum with a research institute, a distinct model in the architectural world.
- **Historic Integration:** Notable for its architectural ensemble that integrates the heritage Shaughnessy House with modern facilities and a dedicated sculpture garden.
- **Founder's Legacy:** Established by Phyllis Lambert, a renowned architect and philanthropist, ensuring a strong foundational vision.
- **International Recognition:** Maintains a strong global presence through its website in English and French, extensive social media channels, and membership in international confederations.
- **Substantial Assets:** Operates with a significant financial foundation, holding over CAD 182 million in total assets as of 2023.

## Body

### History and Leadership
The Canadian Centre for Architecture was founded in 1979 in Montreal by Phyllis Lambert, who also served as its inaugural director. Lambert led the institution for two decades until 1999. She was succeeded by Kurt W. Forster (1999–2000) and later by Mirko Zardini, who directed the CCA from 2005 until December 31, 2019. Giovanna Borasi, the former chief curator, was appointed director effective January 2020. The institution's official opening is also recorded as 1979.

### Location and Architecture
The CCA is situated at 1920, rue Baile, in the Ville-Marie borough of Downtown Montreal, Quebec. The site is an architectural ensemble featuring a main building and two key components: the Shaughnessy House, a historic mansion incorporated in 1989, and the Esplanade Ernest-Cormier, a sculpture garden established in 1990. The location is geographically identified by coordinates 45.491, -73.578555555556.

### Institutional Structure and Membership
The CCA functions as an architectural museum, a research institute, and a charitable organization. Its structure includes the Canadian Centre for Architecture Library and a bookstore as subsidiaries. It holds memberships in numerous professional bodies, including the:
- International Confederation of Architectural Museums
- Canadian Museums Association
- Société des musées du Québec
- Independent Research Libraries Association (member since 2022)
- North American Reciprocal Museum Association
It is also affiliated with the Canadian Heritage Information Network and the Virtual Museum of Canada.

### Financial and Operational Data
The CCA operates as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency program account number 118830009RR0001. Its financial performance shows significant assets and fluctuating revenues. In 2023, it reported total assets of CAD 182,716,643, revenue of CAD 4,883,021, and received CAD 983,801 in donations. Employee count has varied over the years, with 132 reported in 2022 and 139 in 2023. In 2011, the museum recorded 67,666 visitors.

### Digital and Research Presence
The institution maintains a robust online presence through a bilingual website (English and French), social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook), and a GitHub repository for public code. It utilizes Archive-It for web archiving. The CCA holds numerous identifiers across library and authority systems worldwide, including VIAF, ISNI, GND, Library of Congress, BnF, and many others, reflecting its global scholarly importance.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Union List of Artist Names
5. [Source](https://www.cca.qc.ca/fr/69251/notre-batiment-notre-parc-et-notre-jardin-de-sculptures)
6. Canadian Encyclopedia
7. IMTL.org
8. [Source](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/canadian-centre-for-architecture-sculpture-garden)
9. [Source](https://www.cca.qc.ca/en/about)
10. Open ISNI for Organizations
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. CiNii Research
13. [Source](http://www.icam-web.org/memberlist.php?subnode_id=1&key=C)
14. [2017](https://www.musees.qc.ca/fr/musees/guide?sort=alpha)
15. [Source](https://irla.lindahall.org/)
16. [Source](https://narmassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NARM_FALL-2022.pdf)
17. Open Library
18. Czech National Authority Database
19. [Source](https://www.cca.qc.ca/fr/37311/lhistoire-du-cca)
20. [Source](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/change-in-leadership-at-the-canadian-centre-for-architecture-director-mirko-zardini-to-step-down-december-31-2019-cca-chief-curator-giovanna-borasi-has-been-appointed-director-effective-january-2020-855716175.html)
21. [The Globe and Mail. 2019](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/art-and-architecture/article-the-canadian-centre-for-architectures-next-director-wants-to-bring/)
22. [Source](https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/canadian-centre-for-architecture--centre-canadien-darchitecture/118830009RR0001/)
23. GitHub
24. Library of Congress Name Authority File
25. BabelNet
26. Goodreads
27. Yelp
28. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
29. LinkedIn
30. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aipro.php)
31. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
32. LIBRIS
33. LibraryThing
34. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Canadian_Centre_for_Architecture-R4Y56)
35. YouTube API
36. Canada Revenue Agency