Exploring The City! - Manitoba Legislative Building

The present Manitoba Legislative Building is the third one to stand and hopefully it's the final.

The first Legislative Building was located at the former home of politician A.G.B. Bannatyne on McDermot and Main. It unfortunately burned down in 1873. They used a temporary facility until 1884 while the second building was being constructed.

The second Legislative Building existed between 1884-1920. It stood on the grounds of the current building before it was demolished.

The second Legislative Building with the third and final one being built behind it.

The current building was designed by Frank W. Simon and Henry Boddington in 1912, began construction in 1913 and officially opened on July 15th, 1920.

This neoclassical styled structure is made from Tyndall stone found in the Garson quarry about 20 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

Statue of Queen Victoria

The other day, I took a long overdue walk through the Legislative Building with my boyfriend. I forgot how beautiful it was inside.

When you first go through the front doors, you see the staircase.

Detail of the stairs.

Ceiling above the stairs.

An interesting little fact about the stairs is that there's exactly 13 steps on each of the three sections. This is common in Freemasonic architecture. The Manitoba Legislative Building is one of the world's largest Freemasonic Temples.

Once you get up the stairs, you see a mural of the Great War.

Medusa at the top of the stairs.

Detail on the ceiling at the top of the stairs.

In the room with the mural, there is an opening to the bottom floor and the top with a ceiling like no other. The color is phenomenal.

You can see these ladies from across the top floor.

The bottom floor has a special room. A room that only the Queen is allowed in.

Outside, at the sides and back of the building, there are statues.

Detail from the back.

Oh, how I love festoons. :)

The Legislative Building is an architectural marvel. Its interior and exterior is stunning all around. If you ever find yourself in Winnipeg, this historic structure is a must see.

Thank you all for reading this very long post, haha! Don't forget to give me a follow, I'd really appreciate it. :)