It's the place where it all comes together - our history, heritage and artistic expression. The Rooms unites the Provincial Archives, Art Gallery and Museum. A place for people, The Rooms is a portal to the many stories our province has to tell. Soaring into the skyline of historic St. John's, The Rooms combines twenty-first century technology with a striking visual reference to our past. Its unique design mirrors the "fishing rooms" where families came together to process their catch. The Rooms today is also a place to gather: in them, you'll find collections, exhibits and programs that tell our stories and interpret our natural world through art, artifacts, archaeology, architecture and archival records. The Rooms site itself is of deep historical significance. Almost 250 years before The Rooms rose on the landscape, this was the site of Fort Townshend. The great star-shaped citadel, one of the largest British fortifications in North America at the time, was built to defend Britain's fishing interests. With the withdrawal of the imperial garrison in 1870, the site became the home of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and, later, the St. John's Fire Department. On-site interpretation allows visitors to explore this historic past. Careful research and documentation before construction ensured that future study of the site is possible. The Rooms is also a neighbourhood place. Located in the heart of downtown St. John's, the site is an excellent venue for programs. And it's only footsteps away from historic buildings, green spaces and a lively arts and entertainment scene. Come for the view. The Rooms offers panoramic vistas of St. John's and its harbour, a multi-level atrium serves as both a gathering place and space for constantly changing exhibits and events. A multi-media theatre, classrooms and artist-in-residence studio emphasize The Rooms' adaptability to many uses and the role in plays in education and outreach. As a centre for research, the Rooms provides access to its permanent collections by appointment. The theatre and corporate boardrooms can be rented for a variety of events.
