The Canadian Center for Architecture is a study center and museum devoted to the art of architecture and its history. It fosters the understanding of architectural ideas through advanced research, public exhibitions, and conferences. It is founded on the conviction that architecture, as part of the social and natural environment, is a public concern. The CCA's activities are international in scope and are based on a unique collection of works of art and documentation from all areas - architecture, urban planning, and landscape design - that are part of the built environment.
The most valuable books and articles are kept in a special climate controlled vault. All collections are available for consultation, on application, by those engaged in advanced research.
Among the special collections of the library are significant holdings of books on Italian cities published from the 15th to the 19th centuries, early printed architectural treatises, 18th and 19th century guides to British country houses, and 19th and 20th century trade catalogues.
Within the collection, architecture is interpreted to include the work of practitioners and theorists in related disciplines such as city and fortification planning, landscape, theater, festival, and stage set design, and architectural sculpture and ornament.
The museum occupies a city block in an historic area of downtown Montreal. The library and the collections are available for consultation by appointment with the librarian and the curators.
