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Manitoba Legislative Building

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Manitoba Legislative Building (Canada)

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The Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg was constructed between 1913 and 1920 in the Neoclassical style, serving as the seat of the province's legislative assembly. Designed by Frank Worthington Simon and Henry Boddington III, the building is famous for its grand architecture and the "Golden Boy," a gold-leafed bronze statue installed atop the dome in 1918. The structure is built from Tyndall stone, a fossil-rich limestone that gives the walls a unique and historic character. The building's design incorporates complex Hermetic and Freemasonic symbolism, leading to its reputation for containing a "Hermetic Code" hidden within its proportions and decorations. Standing at 77 meters tall, it remains one of the most significant architectural landmarks in Canada. The surrounding grounds are beautifully landscaped, featuring various statues and monuments that celebrate the diverse history of Manitoba.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-17-15-6512182120145-4-14
Rain mm231933377994716460432625

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Manitoba Legislative Building is the seat of the provincial government and can be visited on free guided tours. The interior, including the grand rotunda, is open to visitors.
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Typical hours
The building is typically open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with tours usually running hourly. Weekends and holidays may have reduced hours.
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Photography
Photography inside is allowed without flash, but selfie sticks are often prohibited. The exterior facade and expansive lawns provide excellent photo opportunities.
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Time needed
A guided tour of the building lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. For a self-guided walk with photos, allow about 1.5 hours.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Winnipeg Art Gallery or the Manitoba Museum. The historic Forks district is also a short walk away.
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Getting there
The building is located on Broadway in Winnipeg and is easily reachable by bus or taxi. Paid parking is available in the area.
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Insider tip
Take a guided tour to gain access to non-public spaces like the Premier's office. Ask about the golden statue of Queen Victoria - there's a funny story behind it.

Geography

Coordinates
49.88440, -97.14610

Facts

  • The building was officially opened on July 15, 1920, the 50th anniversary of Manitoba joining Confederation.
  • The "Golden Boy" statue stands 5.25 meters tall and weighs approximately 1,650 kilograms.
  • Tyndall stone used in construction is a 450-million-year-old limestone unique to the region.
  • The height of the building to the top of the Golden Boy is exactly 77 meters.
  • The interior features the "Pool of Black Star," a chamber designed with sacred geometry in mind.
  • Two massive bronze bison, each weighing several tons, flank the grand staircase.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Manitoba Legislative Building (19)

Peacekeepers’ Cairn🏺 historical

Peacekeepers’ Cairn, dedicated in 2004 at the Legislative Building, commemorates peacekeepers.

Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art🏛 museum

Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art in Legislative Building is a center for contemporary art.

🕒 Tu-We 12:00-18:00; Th 12:00-20:00; Fr 12:00-18:00; Sa 12:00-

Gallery 1C03🏛 museum

Gallery 1C03 is a contemporary art gallery at the University of Winnipeg, near the Manitoba Legislative Building.

The Rock🏺 historical

The Rock in Legislative Building is a large stone historical monument.

Women’s Grove🏺 historical

Women’s Grove, planted in 1995 at the Legislative Building, is a historical grove.

Little Red Library📍 landmark

Little Red Library in Legislative Building is a small red-painted public library.

🕒 24/7

Black Hole Studio🎭 culture

Black Hole Studio in Legislative Building is an artist-run studio and gallery.

John J. Conklin Theatre🎭 culture

John J. Conklin Theatre in Legislative Building is a venue for plays and concerts.

Sidestage🎭 culture

Sidestage in Legislative Building is a venue for alternative performances.

Memorial Provincial Park🌳 park

Memorial Provincial Park is a park at Wascana Lake in Regina near the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.

Winnipeg Art Gallery🏛 museum

Winnipeg Art Gallery houses the world's largest collection of Inuit art.

💶

Manitoba Legislative Grounds📍 landmark

Manitoba Legislative Grounds in Legislative Building is the park surrounding the legislature.

Parish Church of Saint Luke⛪ religious

Parish Church of Saint Luke is an Anglican church in Winnipeg.

Saint Ignatius Parish⛪ religious

Saint Ignatius Parish is a Catholic church in Winnipeg.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-14:00; Sa 10:00-14:00; Su 10:00-13:00

Congregation Shaare Zedek⛪ religious

Conservative synagogue in the River Heights area of Winnipeg.

Maryland Bridge📍 landmark

Maryland Bridge crosses the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg.

Vimy Ridge Memorial Park🌳 park

Vimy Ridge Memorial Park is a park in Winnipeg named after the World War I Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Westview Park🌳 park

Westview Park is in the Westview neighbourhood of Winnipeg.

Dakota Park Wading Pool🎡 recreation

Dakota Park Wading Pool in Legislative Building is a shallow pool for children in Dakota Park.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:30-18:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is the 'Golden Boy'?
It is a famous gold-leaf statue perched atop the building's dome.
Can you visit the building?
Yes, free guided tours are offered on a regular basis.
Why are there bison statues inside?
Life-sized bronze bison guard the building's grand staircase.
What is the architectural style of the building?
It is built in the Neoclassical style with many allegorical details.
Are there 'secret' codes in the design?
The building is famous for its hidden Masonic and hermetic symbolism.
Manitoba Legislative Building: where is it located?
Manitoba Legislative Building is located in Canada.
Manitoba Legislative Building: what is there to see?
Highlights include Peacekeepers’ Cairn, Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, Gallery 1C03.
Manitoba Legislative Building: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Manitoba Legislative Building: why is it worth visiting?
The Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg was constructed between 1913 and 1920 in the Neoclassical style, serving as the seat of the province's legislative assembly.
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