A brush with history public art program was developed to help revitalize Ottawa’s downtown and create a cultural attraction for tourists and residents of the community. The program is sponsored by the Ottawa Visitors Center and overseen by a committee of citizens devoted to public arts. Made possible by a grant through the National Endowment for the Arts and vetted by the Chicago Art Institute, the Brush with History committee has been committed to quality and excellence since the program’s inception. Organized in 1993 the first mural became a reality in 2002. To date, ten murals have been completed.

Murals to date have focused on figures or events that shaped Ottawa’s history including local industry, prominent citizens, or the creation of a major improvements in the area.

If you are an artist interested in participating in this historical program, or just a citizen wanting to volunteer, please visit the ‘contact us’ portion of this website. The Ottawa Visitors Center will update you on the current project, themes, and deadlines.

Please note: The Ottawa Visitor’s Center does not provide transportation. Hop-on Guides provided for your bus or van. Walking tours degree of difficulty-EASY. Our $50 fee is on a per-tour basis, regardless of the size of your group. Must be arranged in advance by selecting the “Group Tour” request form at the top of this page. Payment is required upon confirmed booking.  Length of tour 30-45 min.

Murals

• The Day of the Great Debate
• General W.H.L. Wallace
• History of Communications
• Imagine & Learn with Bob McGarth
• Open for Business
• Ottawa as a Canal Town
• Ottawa’s Earlier Residents
• Peltier Glass Factory
• Revolution
• Streetscape Reflections