The Library Of Parliament is the one remaining part of the original Centre Block to have survived the 1916 fire. This is looking back to the main entrance. Though the doors don't look the part, they're actually iron doors, and the quick actions of a clerk here on that night saved the library and its contents.
The room itself is grand, filled with amazing woodwork and shelves upon shelves of books.
Everything in here draws the eyes, including the pattern of the domed ceiling.
I'd say it's the most beautiful room in the entire city.
There's even a bust of Queen Elizabeth here, one of several busts.
More from the Library tomorrow...
This must be the most beautiful room in the city... I cannot imagine one more so. Wow !
ReplyDeleteLucky lucky people who can use this gorgeous library. I sometimes think that in 50 years time nobody will. Everyone will be at home with their ereaders...
ReplyDeleteWhat will we do with these spaces once there are no more books?
ReplyDeleteI so love old libraries....and I wonder, too, what will happen to this space. Shopping mall or hotel, most likely. Sad.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, and I love the expanse of the second photo!
ReplyDeleteI think I have to put Ottawa on my list. There's a lot there I've never seen.
ReplyDeleteStuart: it might well be the most beautiful in the country.
ReplyDeleteCiel: that could be the case.
Revrunner: I doubt this place would run out of uses.
Bibi: oh not in such a location.
Linda: thank you!
Gnome: I am not sure how long it will be accessible. The Hill is undergoing extensive work for a number of years, and Centre Block will be part of that.
These are absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning! I'd love to spend a day in there.
ReplyDeleteJane x
oh my gosh! it's like looking at an interior cityscape! beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's the most beautiful library I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteThat is incredible! Looks more like an ornate church than a library. It's wonderful that it didn't burn in the fire. I'd love to spend a few hours wandering about those book racks, or just meditating amidst all that beauty!
ReplyDeleteThe woodwork in there is simply amazing. What a beautiful room! I can feel the warmth of the place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful library! I'd love to visit it!
ReplyDelete@Luis: I could have stayed there for hours.
ReplyDelete@Jane and Chris: we'll have to get elected!
@Tex: and more of that to come.
@Norma: you expect the Beast to present it to Belle.
@Lowell: that clerk back in the day really, really earned his pay that night.
@Sharon: that's what I like about it. It's a very warm kind of place.
@Cheryl: if you're ever up this way, you must see it!
I don't think I've ever been in there, William!
ReplyDeleteThis is simply amazing! I'm in awe at all those wooden walls. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful library, William!
ReplyDeleteI would spend at least a month here :)
I thought this was the most beautiful spot on our tour. However, we were not allowed to take photos in this room. Have the rules changed or did you sneak these in?
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of this incredible library. I would have to sit for hours to look at every carving, every nook and arch, and then there would be the books. Brilliant photos William!
ReplyDeleteWow ... that's what I call a very impressive library.
ReplyDeleteI love the looks and the smell of old books.
@RedPat: you should certainly take the tour then!
ReplyDelete@Jose: just as long as one doesn't get termites!
@Karl: I know the feeling!
@Halcyon: they must have changed the rules. The guide had no problem at all with photography.
@Denise: thank you!
@Jan: so do I!
I could just stay there forever. Paradise on Earth.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be one of the most magnificent libraries I have ever seen!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful. The time I was there, there were people working so we had to be silent and no photos.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! I love libraries so much.
ReplyDeleteThis library is a place one could really get lost in reading. And it is very lovely as well.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you—it's an absolutely gorgeous, magnificent library! Especially since I love books!
ReplyDelete@Mari: it is.
ReplyDelete@Lois: I agree.
@Hamilton: I've had that too during a tour, though they did allow photos.
@Petrea: I do too.
@Beatrice: it is!
@Hilda: it is a grand space.