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.



Guided Tours

The National Assembly offers visitors free guided tours of the Parliament Building lasting approximately 30 minutes each. The tours provide details of

    - the history and workings of Québec's parliamentary institutions
    - Québec's history
    - the Second Empire style architecture of the Parliament Building and the many works of art it houses



Schedule of Guided Tours

From the first Tuesday of September to June 23
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

From June 24 to Labour Day (first Monday of September)
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Free admission. Info : (418) 643-7239 - Guided Tours at The National Assembly