The Secret Bench of Knowledge, Ottawa

Name: The Secret Bench of Knowledge
Address: Ottawa, Canada

#155 among attractions in Ottawa

Monuments and statues

Gallery (2)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

The Secret Bench of Knowledge is a sculpture created by Canadian artist Lea Vivot and produced in multiple castings. A prominent one is located at the entrance to the Wellington Street Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa, where it was initially placed in 1989 on the artist's own initiative. One year later Vivot removed it and it was replaced four years later by Eugene Boccia from Toronto. The sculpture was unveiled at about 9 AM on the morning of May 1, 1994 in front of a crowd of about 3000 people. The sculpture has many messages inscribed on it, written by school children, about the importance and pleasure of reading. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 45°25'11"N, 75°42'28"W

Address

Downtown OttawaOttawa Canada

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Ottawa

Day trips

The Secret Bench of Knowledge – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum, Barrymore's, Chaudière Falls.

0.8 miNE
Art museum with many Canadian works
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
21 min walk • The National Gallery of Canada, located in the heart of Ottawa, stands as a premier institution of fine art and a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. With its striking modern architecture, including the iconic Great Hall with its glass and granite...
0.5 miW
Exhibits on Canadian military history
Canadian War Museum, Ottawa
12 min walk • The Canadian War Museum, located in the heart of Ottawa, stands as a poignant tribute to Canada's military history. This modern facility, with its striking architecture, was opened in May 2005 and offers a comprehensive overview of Canada's involvement in armed...
0.7 miSE
Dancing, Nightlife
Barrymore's, Ottawa
19 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Ottawa's bustling Centretown district, Barrymore's Music Hall is an iconic venue that stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry. Situated on Bank Street, this historic establishment has been a cornerstone of Ottawa's...
~1270 ftNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Park
Chaudière Falls, Ottawa
7 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Canada's capital city, Ottawa, the Chaudière Falls is a natural spectacle and a site of historical significance. Once a sacred meeting place for Indigenous peoples, the waterfall has a rich heritage that predates European settlement.
0.6 miNE
Cycling, Bike path, Park
Capital Pathway, Ottawa
17 min walk • The Capital Pathway, a vibrant thread in the fabric of Ottawa, Canada, is a network of multi-use trails that offers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the city's natural beauty and landmarks from the seat of a bicycle.
0.8 miNE
Park, Lookout, Theater
Nepean Point, Ottawa
20 min walk • Perched atop the majestic Ottawa skyline, Nepean Point offers a serene escape within the bustling capital city of Canada. This verdant park, nestled behind the National Gallery of Canada, is not only a tranquil haven for locals and tourists alike but also one of the...
0.7 miE
Theater, Concerts and shows
National Arts Centre, Ottawa
19 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Canada's capital, the National Arts Centre (NAC) stands as a beacon of cultural excellence and a premier destination for the performing arts in Ottawa. The NAC is not just a theater; it's an architectural gem and a hub for music, dance,...
~1610 ftNE
Museum, Specialty museum
The Bank of Canada Museum, Ottawa
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Canada's capital city, the Bank of Canada Museum offers visitors a unique journey through the nation's monetary history. This contemporary museum, located at 30 Bank Street in Ottawa, is an interactive destination that delves into the world of...
0.4 miSE
Gothic Revival architecture, Church
St Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa
11 min walk • St. Patrick's Basilica, a splendid example of Gothic Revival architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Ottawa, Canada. This significant church, dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland, is not only a place of worship but also a historical landmark that has witnessed...
~700 ftS
Gothic Revival architecture, Church
Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa
4 min walk • Christ Church Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The church is located at 414 Sparks Street in the northwest section of the city's downtown at the western end of Sparks Street on top of a promontory looking down to the Ottawa River.
0.8 miNE
Music and shows, Nightlife, Convention center
Shaw Centre, Ottawa
22 min walk • The Shaw Centre is a convention centre located in the downtown core of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It opened in April 2011. The Centre replaces the Ottawa Congress Centre, which opened in 1983 and is built on the site of the Ottawa Congress Centre building which was demolished in 2008-2009.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to The Secret Bench of Knowledge?

Nearby attractions include Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa (1 min walk), Garden of the Provinces and Territories, Ottawa (2 min walk), St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Ottawa (3 min walk), Memorial to the Victims of Communism – Canada, Ottawa (3 min walk).

How to get to The Secret Bench of Knowledge by public transport?

The nearest stations to The Secret Bench of Knowledge:

Bus

Wellington / Bay • Lines: 15, 17 (1 min walk)
Wellington / Lyon • Lines: 11, 15, 17, 400 (2 min walk)

Light rail

Lyon B • Lines: 1 (4 min walk)
Lyon A • Lines: 1 (5 min walk)