The first three photos here are from the fall of 2016. They are, a view of the Centre Block from the south; a photo detail from a Bridgehead coffee cup that features the Centre Block as background to a log driver; and a photo detail of the Parliamentary Precinct from a cast bronze tourist orientation map of central Ottawa and Hull. The fourth photo below was taken in December 2018, and is a view of Parliament Hill from the Alexandra Bridge which is to the north-east.
The Centre Block, is the prime element in Canada’s federal government complex in Ottawa. The building is on the north side of a large ceremonial lawn that is flanked by two supporting buildings, the East and West Blocks. The Centre Block houses the key democratic functions for the Government of Canada, symbolically and operationally. The building includes the House of Commons, the Senate, the main branch of the Library of Parliament, office space, Committee Rooms and the Peace Tower. The Block will close shortly for major renovations that are expected to take ten years to complete.
The photos below were taken this month.
The two views above are from the Peace Tower observation level. The first image shows the West Block where the courtyard has been covered by a glass roof. This former courtyard will accommodate the House of Commons for the duration of the Centre Block project. The second image above shows Majors Hill Park.
At the base of the Peace Tower, above a Porte-cochere, is the Memorial Chamber. This space is dedicated to Canadians who have died in military conflicts in the service of the Crown. The vestibule to the Chamber includes four stained glass windows.
The House of Commons with with the central desks removed.
The two Indigenous themed bas-reliefs shown above are in a vestibule hall that is part of the formal entry sequence to the House of Commons.
Woodwork and painting within one of the historic formal Committee Rooms in the Centre Block. The room’s decorative features reference industry and the provinces.
This is one of two large paintings within the Railroad Committee Room. The other is a reproduction of Robert Harris’ painting The Fathers of Confederation.
The Library of Parliament with the majority of books removed
The Senate Chamber with furniture removed.
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