Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Legislative Building (450 Broadway, Winnipeg)

The present-day Legislative Building was formally opened on 15 July 1920, the 50th anniversary of Manitoba’s entry into Confederation. It was designed in 1912 by English architects Frank W. Simon and Henry Boddington III who won a British Empire competition over 66 other entries. The paramount example of Beaux-Arts Classical architecture in the province, the building is sheathed in Manitoba Tyndall limestone and is adorned with many allegorical works of art celebrating wisdom, justice, and courage. The Golden Boy atop the dome is symbolic of Manitoba’s eternal youth and progress.

This is Manitoba’s third Legislative Building, built after a period of extraordinary growth and development. The first Legislature occupied the former A. G. B. Bannatyne residence at Main Street and McDermot Avenue until its destruction by fire in 1873. Temporary facilities were used until 1884 when the second building was opened north of Government House. It was demolished in 1920.

In 2003, the Legislative Building (and restoration of its Golden Boy) received a Conservation Award from Heritage Winnipeg.

Third Manitoba Legislative Building, from 1920 to present (2010) Source: James A. Burns Map of the grounds at the present-day Legislative Building, showing the location of the “former Parliament Building”, which stood at the site from 1884 to 1920 Source: Manitoba Legislative Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba, [undated pamphlet]. The second Legislative Building, used from 1884 to 1920. Source: Gordon Goldsborough, 2004-0016. Site Location (lat/long): N49.88502, W97.14708 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Commemorative Plaques of the Manitoba Legislature

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Government House (10 Kennedy Street, Winnipeg)

Memorable Manitobans: Legislative Assemblies of Manitoba

Manitoba Legislative Building, Manitoba Historic Resources Branch

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Provincially Designated Historic Sites

Sources:

Information for this page was collected and prepared by Tim Worth and Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 15 February 2013

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