Parliament Building (Quebec)

Parliament Building (Quebec)
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Name	Parliament Building
Native name	Hôtel du Parlement
Caption	The main facade of the Parliament Building in Quebec City
Location	Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Coordinates	46, 48, 32, N...
Start date	1877
Completion date	1886
Architect	Eugène-Étienne Taché
Architectural style	Second Empire
Owner	Government of Quebec

Parliament Building (Quebec), officially the Hôtel du Parlement, is the seat of the National Assembly of Quebec and a defining architectural landmark in Quebec City. Designed by the architect Eugène-Étienne Taché and constructed between 1877 and 1886, the building is a prominent example of Second Empire architecture in Canada. It serves as the central institution for the provincial legislature and houses the offices of the Premier of Quebec, the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, and numerous MNAs. The building and its extensive grounds are a major tourist attraction and a powerful symbol of Quebec's history and political identity.

History

The construction of a permanent parliament building was initiated following the Confederation of 1867, which established Quebec as a province. Prior to its completion, the legislature met in the former Quebec Parliament Building (now home to the Édifice André-Laurendeau) and the city hall. The cornerstone was laid in 1877 under the government of Premier Henri-Gustave Joly de Lotbinière, with the main structure completed by 1886. The building has witnessed pivotal events in Quebec's political history, including the Quiet Revolution and the 1980 and 1995 referendums on sovereignty. It survived a major fire in 1883 during construction and has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of the Honoré-Mercier and Jean-Antoine Panet buildings in the 20th century.

Architecture

Designed by provincial architect Eugène-Étienne Taché, the building is a masterwork of the Second Empire style, popular during the reign of Napoleon III in France. Its design was influenced by the Louvre in Paris and features a distinctive mansard roof, central tower, and elaborate stonework. The facade is constructed from grey Nepean sandstone and features a wealth of sculptural ornamentation. The architectural plan is symmetrical, with two wings extending from the central block, creating a formal courtyard. The interior layout is organized around the grand Legislative Council Chamber (now the Blue Room) and the Legislative Assembly Chamber (the Green Room), connected by the ornate Grand Staircase.

Functions and significance

As the seat of the National Assembly of Quebec, the building is the primary venue for the province's parliamentary democracy. It houses the chamber where Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) debate and pass laws, as well as the offices of the Premier of Quebec, the President of the National Assembly, and the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec. The building is a central institution in the provincial legislature and a key site for state ceremonies, such as the opening of each legislative session. It stands as the most important symbol of Quebec's political autonomy and national history, prominently featuring on the coat of arms of Quebec and the flag of Quebec.

Notable features and artworks

The building's exterior is adorned with 26 bronze statues depicting significant figures from Quebec's history, including Samuel de Champlain, Frontenac, James Wolfe, Montcalm, and Félix Leclerc. Inside, the Grand Staircase features a monumental painting by Charles Huot titled *The Debate on Languages*. The Legislative Council Chamber (Blue Room) is decorated with a ceiling mural by Ozias Leduc, while the Legislative Assembly Chamber (Green Room) contains portraits of former speakers. The President's Gallery showcases portraits of every premier since Chauveau, and the building houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts related to the Parliament of Quebec.

Grounds and surroundings

The building is set within the expansive Parliament Hill (Colline Parlementaire) in the Upper Town district. The meticulously landscaped grounds feature the Tourny Fountain, gardens, and monuments, including the memorial to Honoré Mercier and the Robert Bourassa monument. The site overlooks the Plains of Abraham and the Saint Lawrence River, adjacent to other government edifices like the Édifice Pamphile-Le May and the Édifice Honoré-Mercier. The area is a central part of the Historic District of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is bordered by the Grand Théâtre de Québec and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

Category:Government buildings in Quebec City Category:Parliament buildings in Canada Category:National Assembly of Quebec Category:Second Empire architecture in Canada Category:1886 establishments in Quebec