(Photograph by Carla Antonio)
The secrets of Parliament Hill: Inside the heart of Canada’s democracy
Parliament’s Centre Block was rebuilt after a devastating 1916 fire. Learn about three key rooms in that iconic building.
On Feb. 3, 1916, fire destroyed Canada’s original Parliament building, which had officially opened in 1866. After the charred rubble was cleared, the Centre Block we know today rose in its place, complete with its iconic Peace Tower. Johanna Mizgala, curator of the House of Commons heritage collection, spoke with Maclean’s about Toronto architect John Pearson’s vision for the building he put at the heart of Canadian democracy. In these videos, we take you inside three key rooms, as Mizgala describes them and discusses what Pearson was trying to achieve.
Soaring Confederation Hall
Prime Minister as ship captain
The opposition leader’s angel
Related from macleans.ca: How a new Centre Block rose, a century ago, from Parliament’s ashes
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