Have you ever visited your government buildings?
Well, I hadn’t and my interest became piqued by a recent news story about some murals that had been uncovered on the ceiling of our provincial legislature.
That triggered a last minute decision to tour Queen’s Park * – the home of our provincial government.
The Art Nouveau murals date back to 1893, but were covered up several years later in a layer of horse hair, canvas, and white paint in an attempt to improve the acoustics in the Legislative Chamber.
The murals were uncovered this summer when maintenance crews were inspecting the ceiling after concerns that sections of the primitive acoustic covering were starting to sag and might eventually fall on the chamber floor below.
Although the existence of the murals was known, the greater surprise was how well-preserved they were.
From the news articles I read about the murals, I was under the impression that the entire 4 part ceiling mural had been restored. In fact, only one portion was uncovered. It is expected that the recovery of the remaining portions will take years to complete.
Because this is Thursday, I also have to toss in a couple of doors and I wasn’t disappointed by the beauty of the entrance into the Legislative Chamber …
One of the building’s front doors (on the right side) …
Side entrance into Queen’s Park …
Oh, you wanted to see the front of the building too? Ok, here is the centre block …
* the land surrounding the provincial government building is called Queen’s Park, but the name Queen’s Park has also come to be used for the building, as well as the government itself eg – “Queen’s Park has passed a law that ….”
If you are ever in Toronto looking for something interesting to do, free tours of Queen’s Park are available all year round.
Thursday Doors is a weekly photo feature hosted by Norm Frampton at Norm 2.0.
My Life Lived Full 
Oooh, more history. And yours is so rich and interesting.
I love a door that practically invites you to kick it open.
We have a Queens Park here too. (And yes, there’s no apostrophe in Queens. Don’t ask me why.) It’s a picnic ground, footy/cricket oval and a golf course. It’s also effectively become a suburb as houses were built along the road.
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You had me going off to double check whether our Queen’s Park had an apostrophe. Yup. It does. Those little details can be very curious.
It’s funny how our Queen’s Park came to mean much more than the park itself.
So is this suburb along the road now also known as Queens Park?
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According to Australia Post it’s not an official suburb. It would probably fall under Highton. But the area is expanding so much it wouldn’t surprise me if they eventually give it its own postcode.
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I rather like the idea of living somewhere called Queen’s Park … not in honour of you-know-how, but rather to pretend it’s all about me. I’m too old to be a princess now, but I could be regal in a pinch 😉
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Great post and brilliant images to complement it. Loved the interiors and the murals. In India, government offices are usually in a pathetic state. The only time you see it in good shape is when some top minister is visiting it, or during festivals. Plus, public is not allowed to step into the building. I guess the corrupt ministers fear that public might peek into their public welfare work. After all, it takes a lot of work to sweep things under the carpet. LOL.
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hahaha! That’s right … hiding the skeletons takes effort!
I didn’t realize that the public can sit in the open gallery and watch our parliament in action. I’d like to do that one day.
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Really interesting, and what lovely photos. Makes me want to visit Toronto!
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Thanks 🙂
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The mural—what a great find. I wonder what they were thinking when they covered it up…too colorful, too icky, too drab, dumb cherubs? Great door shots. I wonder if they covered up the bottom of the door “after” it had been kicked in a few times too many, or as prevention. Either way, cool now.
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I suspect they were simply willing to sacrifice art to dampen the noise in the room. Apparently it worked, because it remained unchanged for so long!
I’ve often wondered about things like chair rails and kick plates … I’m guessing they get added later after a few too many repairs are required!
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Right…the only constant thing we have here is change…who knows the reason why of anything
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It seems that lately the only ‘why’ is to save money, however based on what I’m seeing, it’s short-sighted at best.
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truly! and isn’t money always the reason
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Joanne, I’m a big believer in touring government buildings – if for no other reason than, as Bismark said: “to see how the laws and sausages are made.” That oak(?) and beveled glass door is fabulous. That combination is one of my favorites. They don’t make ’em like they used to. ~James
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No, they certainly don’t make buildings with fine artistry like that anymore.
Instead, we’ve had ongoing issues with the windows popping out of new condo buildings which have been sprouting up like mushrooms. Workmanship, be damned.
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Just discovered your blog and I’m now working my way through past posts – you are certainly a very active retiree! I’ve been looking for inspiration since I have recently “been retired” at least for the next 8 months or so and since I live in Toronto I will definitely be looking for ideas on how to keep active.
I’ve always enjoyed being a tourist in my own city – love “Doors Open” every year. But for some reason I’ve never been inside Queen’s Park! It is going on the list for sometime in the next couple of weeks!
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I’ve heard about Doors Open, but have never participated. The fact you go every years speaking volumes!
I hope you find something that inspires you … and that you will let me know. I’d like to read about it 🙂
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My favorite part was the Art Nouveau murals and yes, so beautiful and well preserved. 🙂
The government buildings are amazing up where you are, Joanne! Simply exquisite details and gorgeous photographs to display them. You chose some great positions and angles.
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Thanks Robin. I’m always flattered when someone likes my photos 🙂
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Those lovely doors leading to the Legislative Chamber are also special. 🙂
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Thanks … those were my favourite too 🙂
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You’re welcome, Joanne.
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Beautiful murals! It’s going to be amazing when they are all revealed and restored. So funny that they covered them with horse hair! Lovely doors too. 🙂
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I agree! I think it’s going to look stunning.
I wouldn’t have guessed horse hair for a sound insulator either!
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So of course, I had to go do some more research about this gorgeous building. Instead of making you answer me back, I had to learn how old the building is (completed 1893). The murals are incredibly well preserved, aren’t they? Fascinating!
Love the side entrance image.
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Thanks Laurie. This building is actually on my “heritage list” that I’m trying to work my way through. Hopefully there are many more surprises ahead for me 🙂
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I love stories like these-an uncovering to find treasure underneath.
Horse hair??? A person wonders how they were able to do that without smelling up the place (I had a horse once!)
As always, I love your door features. It’s so cozy here…I’m gonna see what else you’ve been doing. 🙂
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I was rather puzzled by the horse hair too. I have no clue how they managed that one!!
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What a delightful find. Thanks for sharing this with us, Joanne 🙂
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Thanks Ruth 🙂
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Fabulous photos, what a beautiful place. Those murals are gorgeous and so well preserved, it’s great that they are finally being shown to the public.
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There was so much ‘eye candy’ in this building, it was hard to know where to point my camera … while trying to pay attention to the guide at the same time.
I think another tour might be in order … apparently I missed a spectacular brass grille that had been buried under a century of dirt and grime 🙂
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What exquisite murals! Government buildings can have surprises like this in them 😊
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This was my first visit to a government building and you’re right – it was a surprise!!
Now I’ll have to make a point of visiting our nation’s capital!
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I absolutely love stories like this. I found a similar story when I went to Washington DC and toured the Library of Congress. I was so enamored with it that any time someone came to DC, I took them to it. Here is the first part of a two part post I wrote on it.
https://mpozzanghera.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/washington-dcs-hidden-jewel-2/
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Thanks for the link 🙂
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🙂
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Joanne I thought I had commented on this post but I’m thinking it was the photo on Instagram. Early onset dementia perhaps? The Queen is looking very serious in the statue I’d say. Perhaps not a good idea to walk to closely beside her. 🙂
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I thought Queen Vic ALWAYS looked so serious and stern.
I can’t say I’ve ever seen a statue of her before, so I must say I was quite intrigued with this one!
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Stern! That’s the perfect word.
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It’s probably an expression developed over the years from constantly thinking ‘what on earth are they babbling on about this time?’
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Enjoyed your tour . . . and the chubby horse.
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Right! Isn’t he cute? 🙂
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That is a beautiful building. Good to see them bringing those murals back.
The first set of doors is downright spectacular and the textured steel kickplate on the second ones is pretty cool too.
Definitely adding this to my to-do list next time I’m in Toronto
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Oh, I think you’ll love the challenge of taking photos inside … and of course the outside is full of wonder detail! I recommend it 🙂
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Those doors with the leaded glass are amazing! Love them!
I think it’s fantastic that they’re bringing the murals back. What a pretty detail! Can you imagine how patient and careful they have to be to remove them?
There surely aren’t old murals to uncover here, I think the state house was erected around 1860 and it’s neo-Classical. The other government buildings here in Indy are new modern things with boring standard glass doors. Bleh.
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Once upon a time in my youth, I loved modern buildings. Coming from a small town, I was in awe of the huge glass & concrete. Only much later did I start to appreciate the older architecture … the details!!
My understanding is that they have had to engage some art restoration people to ensure it’s done properly. Not only were the murals covered up, but they used big nails to secure the covering.
There has been some remedial work required to restore the murals correctly so the progress will be slow.
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Amazing to think that anyone would consider covering up that art work but nice that the thoughtlessness has seemed to preserve it!
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I know! It’s unbelievable to us now, but I guess at the time it made the most sense to solve their problem of too much noise in the Chamber. It seems that 100+ years later, it is appreciated even more … perhaps because of it 🙂
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Thanks for taking me down memory lane – I had an office in that very building in the early 1990’s – fascinating place. It’s also known affectionately as the ‘pink palace’ because it’s built of pink granite. Some great photos.
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You had an office in Queen’s Park?! You must share the story!
I had read it was called the Pink Palace, although I’ve never heard anyone ever say it. I love that soft colour of stone. I read it came from the Credit River and Orangeville area.
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Fascinating that they are now uncovering and restoring these beautiful murals, Joanne! How do they plan on dealing with the acoustics now, or is the building no longer used for legislative sittings?
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Technology in management of acoustics has changed dramatically over the past century. They didn’t share exactly what was done now to dampen the noise … Quite frankly, it never occurred to me to ask! It is still used for the provincial government sitting, although they won’t be back in session until mid-September.
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I love it! I haven’t been to Queen’s Park since elementary school, and I missed the news story about the murals. I feel a trip to the city is in my future!
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Coming from the north, I missed so much compared to students in the south who have proximity to so many wonderful outings … Although sometimes I wonder exactly how much young children really get out of these visits.
I admit I was pretty much in awe the entire time!
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Thanks for this tip, Joanne. I’ve walked past this impressive building a few time over the past couple of years, but didn’t know there were tours. The story about the murals coupled with your photos have sealed the deal for me. Next time, I’ll take myself inside! Thanks!
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I think it was worth the effort to take the tour. It was very quiet when I visited because the government isn’t in session, but I imagine it can be very lively there when it is.
I didn’t realize the public can go into the Upper Gallery and watch the discussions in the Chamber when in session. I think I would like to do too.
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It definitely looks to be worth the effort. I’ll send a report after I take the tour. Now.. I’d best check hubby’s work schedule to see when I can get myself to Toronto. 😉
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I hope you’ll consider giving me a shout if/when you do. Perhaps we could connect for an outing together … even if just for a coffee 🙂
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That sounds wonderful!!!!
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I love the kick plates on those doors at the bottom. But, seriously, somebody thought it would be a good idea to cover such beautiful artwork with horsehair and white paint? Beautiful photos, Joanne. I think I like the entrance with the glass sidelights and transom the best.
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I’m guessing art wasn’t high on their list of priorities. Thankfully there are better acoustic solutions today and treasures like this can be restored.
That entrance into the Legislative Chamber was a wow for me. I like the finials on the columns at the base of the stairs.
… and why did they have to build that room up several steps anyway?!!
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Seriously? Horse hair to cover beautiful murals for sound. That’s like cutting out your eyes so your ears will over compensate and you have better hearing. Insane. Wasn’t there an artist who cut off his ear? Yep, insane. I am glad they were able to save the art work.
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The sad part is that the solution appears to have worked … for over a hundred years. Thankfully there are better alternatives now.
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It’s a gorgeous building. Of I’m ever in Toronto I’ll put Queens Park on my to do list right under ‘visit Joanne’.
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Yay!! I’m so glad I even made the list!! So much to do, so much to see 🙂
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Glad you’re having fun with it. How’s your collarbone?
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It feels good Marissa – thanks. I can actually sleep on that side now, so major progress 🙂
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Beautiful images Joanne 🙂 The only government buildings I have visited were in Washington DC. The Capital, The Mall, Lincoln Memorial but the memorial which had the most impact was the Vietnam Wall. On a lighter note I did notice the lack of public restrooms while walking around DC and for someone like me who loves a nice cold beer or two it could be a problem finding a tree to pee on, LOL 🙂
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I have visited all those too, and I agree 100% that the Vietnam Wall left the biggest impression with me as well.
… and the lack of public facilities is a problem everywhere … and if you find it hard to find a tree to pee on, can you imagine being a woman having to pee?!!
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Touche’
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How wonderful that the murals have been rediscovered and will be revealed again. Lovely photos of a beautiful building! You’ve reminded me that I have never been inside our parliament buildings (called “The Beehive”). I’m in Wellington next week, so I really have no excuse not to take a tour 🙂
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Excellent! I look forward to reading about your tour of the Beehive 🙂
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What a find. It is always amazing to see what is hidden under the idea of modernization. 🙂
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It’s such a shame that this beautiful artistry has been hidden for over a 100 years … but horse hair?! Who would have thought?
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the doors are beautiful. I like those kick plates too. The murals look gorgeous.
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“Kick plates” … that was the term I was looking for, but it was eluding me! Thanks 🙂
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Any time! 🙂
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Nice mural. Who cares if it’s a little noisy? Bring on the murals.
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From what I understand, the technology around management of acoustics has improved significantly since the turn of the last century. This horse-hair layer on the ceiling is no longer needed. It will be beautiful when fully restored!
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Beautiful building, beautiful doors, gorgeous murals, and I love the Legislative Chamber. Thanks for sharing it all and some of its history. Toronto certainly has its share of great places to visit.
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You know, Mary … I’m just starting to appreciate how true that really is 🙂
Look at the fun of exploration you have ahead of you when you retire 😉
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A beautiful cemetery and now restored Art Nouveau ceilings… reasons enough to plan another trip to Toronto one of these days! Beautiful doors too.
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I wondered if you had managed to find your way to Queen’s Park.
I look at the list of Heritage Buildings in Toronto and know that I have LOTS of exploration still ahead of me!!!
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That’s an incredible, detailed sculpture of Queen Victoria. The old kick plates on the door are interesting, they look like a lot of people banged against it.
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I was rather surprised when I discovered the grand old lady herself in front of Queen’s Park. I should have guessed that’s where the name came from!
I quite like statues to begin with and this one is very interesting with all its detail. I had only noticed the chubby little horse when I loaded the photo into WP.
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How sad the the murals were covered up for so long, but they look remarkable. The first doors are absolutely beautiful!
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As soon as I saw that news story, I knew I wanted to see it for myself! I was disappointed to discover the entire ceiling had not been uncovered … which was implied in the news … but even the excitement of the tour guide was contagious 🙂
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The mural is incredible and I agree incredibly well preserved. Isn’t it funny how we can so often ignore what is close by when we live somewhere. For me, it usually takes friends staying for us to explore places we might otherwise never have visited!
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Over the past couple of years, I’ve really made a point of being a tourist in my own city.
I’ve found so many wonderful treasures, I wish I started doing this long ago!!
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