The Embassy of the United State in Ottawa houses the consular services of the US government. It aims to promotes good relations between the United States and Canada, Its work includes promoting economic investment, important international negotiations, ceremonies and overseeing the work of the six consulate offices in Canada on behalf of the U.S. President. Other functions and agencies that collaborate with the embassy include immigration, law enforcement and defense issues.
The United State has had an official presence in Canada since 1827. The first U.S. Minister to Canada was appointed in 1927 and a fully-functioning embassy was established in 1947. The embassy was housed in the Old Chancery which was built in 1932, by renowned American architect Cass Gilbert Jr. in a neo-Renaissance style. As early as the 1960s plans were being developed for a new building to meet the growing number staff at the embassy. The result is an impressive building complementing the many fine buildings and monuments in the surrounding area. Maple was used as the main wood throughout the interior, and the maple leaf featured on the fabrics throughout. President Clinton visited Ottawa and dedicated the embassy in 1999.
A towering forty-foot bronze sculpture entitled 'Conjunction' and created by Joel Shapiro stands in the embassy grounds. The embassy has a collection of art representing over 50 contemporary artists from across the United States. There are over 200 pieces representing mixed media, ceramics, glass, paintings, textiles and sculpture. The collection features the work of artists including Macduff Everton, Deborah Orapallo, and Jeff Brouws.
The embassy is not open to the public.
