Doors Open Ottawa unlocks 150 years of tradition at the Rideau Club

Located 15 floors above Bank Street and behind the privacy offered by a restricted entrance, the Rideau Club is inaccessible to most passers-by. But it conceals a treasure trove of art, history and tradition that will, for the first time, be available to the public as part of Doors Open Ottawa.

The club, located at 99 Bank Street, is just one of more than 120 sites that will be featured in this year’s event, which runs on June 6 and 7 across Ottawa.

This year will mark the Rideau Club’s 150th anniversary. To celebrate, the club has decided to open their doors to the public for one day during the free weekend event – June 6.

“There is so much rich history here that needs to be shared with others,” said Josephine Palumbo, the club’s vice-president.

The Rideau Club was co-founded in 1865 by Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir Georges-Étienne Cartier. The members take pride in this fact, and that the club predates Confederation.

Recognized and valued for its preservation of history and tradition, its top-notch service and its exquisite cuisine, the club also houses an impressive art collection, which includes an entire room devoted to the famous Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh.

Palumbo finds comfort in the sense of structure that comes from maintaining the club’s older customs. “In our modern-day society we’re all running around and going to the movie theatre and this and that,” she said. “But then you go to the Rideau Club and you sort of enter another world.”

The 1,390 members come from Ottawa’s leading business, government and social communities. More than just a quiet place to relax, the club is a useful venue for networking and sharing common interests. The club hosts a variety of events, such as the Distinguished Speaker Series, a luncheon series that hosts a wide range of prominent writers, politicians and others.

“Membership for the club is by invitation, so not everyone can apply,” said Palumbo. “There is a nomination process.”

Despite differing opinions or political views, the club’s members are bound by a code of protection known as the Chatham House Rules: whatever is discussed within the walls of the Rideau Club must remain within those same walls. “It allows for an openness to share one’s views or ideas,” said Palumbo.

For some, becoming a member is a family tradition. “My dad was a member back in the 1930s,” said Meriel Bradford, former president and chair of the 150th Anniversary Committee. Her grandfather was also a member, and Bradford herself joined in 1980, just one year after the first woman was admitted to the club. She became the first female president in 2005.

While the club still holds true to its traditions, it also seeks to stay relevant and has installed newer technology to help appeal to its younger members. “Things evolve. It has to keep changing, but the history is so important,” said Bradford. “We carry forward things that are still appreciated and valued.”

By participating in Doors Open this year, the Rideau Club is creating a unique opportunity for Ottawa residents. “I think it’s terrific,” said Bradford. “People in Ottawa who have never had a chance to see the club will be able to visit.”

Doors Open Ottawa is a free event, held annually during the first full weekend of June. It is celebrating its 14th year and will showcase more than 120 buildings in 2015. For building and participation times, visit ottawa.ca/doorsopen or pick up a copy of the 2015 Doors Open Ottawa building guide. The guide is available at Bridgehead coffee locations, at any Doors Open Ottawa building location or, if you’re a subscriber, through the _ Ottawa Citizen _ on May 29.

A free Doors Open Ottawa shuttle bus service will also operate throughout the downtown core connecting to more than 50 participating sites, so don’t miss your chance to experience Ottawa’s built heritage during this free and unique annual event.