Parliament Buildings (Hôtel du Parlement)

An imposing Second Empire château constructed between 1877 and 1886, just outside of the city walls, according to plans drawn up by engineer-architect Eugène-Étienne Taché and inspired by the Louvre Museum in Paris. The Parliament Building houses the National Assembly, one of America's oldest parliamentary institutions.



The Parliament Building is an imposing structure comprising four wings that form a square of about 100 metres (330') per side. With the central tower, the building stands at 52 metres or 171 feet in height. The Québec national flag, referred to as "fleurdelisé", has been flying from the central tower since 1948.

Above the main entrance to l'Hôtel du Parlement hangs the Québec Coat of Arms, with the inscription: "Je me souviens" as a guiding principle. Originally designed by Taché as ornamentally representative of the decorative style of the building, this motto became official in 1939, when a new coat of arms was adopted by the government.

Twenty-four bronze statues of some of the most prominent figures in Québec's tumultuous history gaze out from the facade, which pay tribute to the women and men who have made historical impact on Québec society.

Throughout the building, representations of the "fleurdelys" and the initials VR (for Victoria Regina) remind visitors of Québec's dual heritage. The architecture and interior decoration of the Parliament Building are very impressive.

The building is very brightly illuminated at night, providing spectacular scenery.

Summer 2008

From June 24 to September 7, 2008, the National Assembly offers visitors a number of activities to enable them to discover or rediscover the Québec Parliament Building as well as the history and mission of our parliamentary institutions.
On Québec's National Holiday, June 24, visit the Parliament Building and the Library of the National Assembly at your own pace. In addition, from June 26 to September 7, experienced guides give free guided tours of both the inside and outside of the Parliament Building in French, English and Spanish every day of the week.

As well, take advantage of the summer season to discover two new thematic exhibitions: an interactive, multimedia exhibition in the main lobby of the Parliament Building, entitled Le Québec, ses députés, ses régions, and an exhibition on political biographies, entitled Portraits de l'Histoire : les biographies politiques, in the Library of the National Assembly.

Free admission. Info : (418) 643-7239 - Visit The National Assembly Web Site