The National Capital Commission announced Thursday that it will close the Canada and the World Pavilion, after just four years in operation, as a way to help the commission trim five per cent from its budget.

The pavilion is tucked out of sight mainly below street level beside Rideau Falls on Sussex Drive. It was built to showcase the accomplishments of Canadians on the world stage.

In it are displays about Canadian achievements in the arts, sports, science, and humanitarian projects, including some of Glenn Gould's hotel-room keys, an Andy Warhol portrait of Wayne Gretzky, and a sweater from Shania Twain.

NCC spokesperson Guy Laflamme maintains the decision has nothing to do with the pavilion's popularity, which he says saw 120,000 people go through its facility last year.

"While the program is excellent, we simply cannot sustain its operation over the long term with the funding pressures we are currently managing," said Laflamme.

The building opened its doors in May 2001, after the cost of the building had ballooned from $2.2 million to more than $6 million. It expected more than 200,000 visitors a year.

Public interest researcher and self-described NCC watcher Ken Rubin says the venture was a costly one that duplicates the efforts of the city's other museums, but with "Hollywood-style" exhibits.

"Why they're in the museum business is beyond me," said Rubin.

"I mean, really, for the site and for the money and for what it was, uh sorry guys, you goofed once again."

Four years later, many Ottawa residents have never even heard of the place. Laflamme, however, said it was marketed to tourists and visiting school groups.

The Canada and the World Pavilion will close in October. The NCC says it will begin looking for a new use for the building.