The Rooms, St. John`s (must see)

The Rooms is a remarkable cultural facility located in St. John's. Established in 2005, it stands proudly on a hill overlooking the picturesque port city, occupying a historic site once occupied by Fort Townshend. The building's name and architecture pay homage to the traditional gable-roofed sheds known as "fishing rooms," which were once a common sight in Newfoundland fishing villages.

This multi-purpose facility is home to three distinct institutions: the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador. It serves as a hub for preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the province.

However, the construction of The Rooms was not without controversy. Archaeologists and historians raised concerns about its location due to the historical significance of the site. Previously, the area housed Fort Townshend, an 18th-century military fort that was eventually buried underground. This sprawling star-shaped citadel, one of the largest British fortifications in North America at the time, was initially built to safeguard Britain's fishing interests. After the departure of the imperial garrison in 1870, the site became home to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and later the St. John's Fire Department.

Recognizing the historical importance of the site, it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1951. To address these concerns and honor the past, the planning and construction of The Rooms involved careful research and documentation, ensuring that future study of the site would be possible.