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Tent Room, 2010
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has recently completed the rehabilitation of the interior of the Tent Room at Rideau Hall.
The Tent Room is unique historically. It is one of the most interesting rooms in Rideau Hall. The room retains its tent-like decor, and is used to host formal events such as official visits of foreign heads of state or governments, international dignitaries or artistic performances and literary celebrations –all under the watchful eyes of the portraits of Queen Victoria and former British governors general.
The rehabilitation project included:
- replacement of the wall and ceiling fabric;
- rehabilitation of the fire detection and suppression systems;
- rehabilitation of the communication systems; and
- interior painting of the doors, frames, windows and trim.
The Tent Room was closed for six months for the duration of the rehabilitation project. It was reopened officially by the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean on June 18, 2010.
The Origins of the Tent Room
The exterior façade of Rideau Hall with the new Tent Room
Credit: Library and Archives Canada
The Tent Room at Rideau Hall was constructed in 1876 as a combination tennis court and supper room. The Earl of Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general (1872–1878), conceived of and promoted the project as a racquet court and a supper entertainment venue, and as a means to provide balance to the front facade, following the addition of the Ballroom wing in 1873.
A Unique Facility
The Tent Room was the first indoor residential tennis court built in Canada. Historically, the Tent Room was a large, bare tongue-and-groove wood-lined room with a wooden floor. It served as a tennis court for governors general and their guests until at least the 1940s.
For special occasions and evening entertainment, the Tent Room underwent an impressive transformation through the installation of an immense interior cloth or “tent,” giving the Tent Room its name. The first tent was fabricated in New York. Lord Dufferin wrote at the time:
“Our new supper-room, with its red and white tent, let down inside the tennis-court, and the shields bearing the names of the various provinces hung round its walls, will be very pretty.”
The Tent Room provided a second room, after the Ballroom, that has been used for large official entertainment events throughout its history.
 The Tent Room as a tennis court during the Connaught period |
 The Tent Room as it was used during the Lorne period |
 The Tent Room formally set for His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in 1975 |
1988 Tent Room Reconstruction: An Anniversary Project
The Tent Room underwent a major interior reconstruction in 1988, as a special project commemorating the 150th anniversary of Rideau Hall. The floor, walls, basement, and mechanical and electrical systems were in critical need of repair, and major improvements were required in terms of the aesthetics and functionality of the room.
The decision was made to dedicate the room to its entertainment function only, thereby formalizing its most unique and intriguing interior decor. The tent, once a temporary feature of the room, was now a permanent installation, using beautiful coral and white striped fabric on the walls and draped across the ceiling. This special decor harkened to the past, but celebrated the present.
 Former Governor General, the Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé, during the Tent Room reconstruction in 1988 |
 1988 Tent Room Reconstruction |
 1988 Tent Room Reconstruction |
 Former Governor General, the Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé, at the opening of the reconstructed Tent Room in 1988 |
 The Tent Room set for a formal dinner during the Hnatyshyn period |
2010 Tent Room Rehabilitation Project
The 2010 rehabilitation project has not changed the design of the interior decor. The NCC made every effort to replicate the fabric selected in 1988, as well as the decorative cords and tassels. The wood trim was painted to match the 1988 colours, and the furnishings and artwork were reinstalled in their previous locations.
Replicating the fabric was a considerable challenge, given the volume of fabric required, the installation complexities involved and current-day building code requirements for fire ratings in large public spaces. However, the replacement of the fabric was core to the rehabilitation project, as the 1988 fabric had yellowed and deteriorated.
 2010 Tent Room Rehabilitation Project (old fabric) |
 2010 Tent Room Rehabilitation Project (new fabric) |
 2010 Tent Room Rehabilitation Project (new fabric) |
 2010 Tent Room Rehabilitation Project (new fabric) |
 2010 Tent Room Rehabilitation Project (new fabric) |
The NCC is committed to preserving the lustre and beauty of this magnificent heritage room for the continued enjoyment and appreciation of current and future generations.