inside the diefenbunker, canada's cold war underground bunker from the 1960s

Brendan Burden photographs Canada’s Cold War stronghold

Photographer Brendan Burden turns his lens on one of Canada’s most enigmatic relics of Cold War history: the Diefenbunker. Nestled beneath the quiet town of Carp, Ontario, just west of Ottawa, the sprawling underground facility was built in secrecy between 1959 and 1961. Officially named the Central Emergency Government Headquarters, the Diefenbunker was commissioned by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker as part of Canada’s contingency planning during a time of global nuclear tension.

Government Office – Central Mortgage & Housing Corporation. one wonders why this Crown Corporation would be considered necessary in a nuclear crisis | all images Brendan Burden 

Capturing The Diefenbunker’s legacy

Designed to shelter key government and military personnel in the event of a nuclear strike, the four-story, 100,000-square-foot bunker was equipped with fortified walls, independent power supplies, and enough resources to support life for up to 30 days. Despite its elaborate infrastructure, the facility was never used for its original purpose and instead operated in various government capacities until its decommissioning in 1994.

Now serving as Canada’s Cold War Museum and a designated National Historic Site, the Diefenbunker is the subject of a recent photographic series by Brendan Burden. The Canadian photographer captures its preserved interior as an austere yet compelling space—one that reflects both the architectural intent and the psychological weight of Cold War-era preparedness. His images frame the structure not just as a relic, but as a monument to a tense and uncertain chapter in modern history.

the War Cabinet room served as the decision-making hub for Canada’s emergency government during a national crisis

the War Cabinet room, where smoking was allowed until the 1980’s

the Communications Room in the Diefenbunker was a highly secure space essential for relaying top-secret military intelligence and orders during a nuclear crisis

the dental office, which saw little use during its operational years as CFS Carp, but was well-equipped to perform everything from cleaning to tooth extractions

vintage computers in the Ottawa Semi-Automatic Exchange (OSAX) room, which required top secret clearance to access

the Prime Minister’s office

on of 18 offices designated as government offices for Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources

retro vinyl flooring and space divider in the dining hall/recreation room

Photographs taken with permission from the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum. Historical details provided by the museum.

project info:

name: Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War
designer: The Foundation Company of Canada
photography: Brendan Burden | @brendan.burden

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom