Classified Federal Heritage Building
Parliament Hill, Library
Ottawa, Ontario
Also known as Library of Parliament, Bibliothèque du Parlement
Front elevation of the Library of Parliament emphasizing its octagonal shape, 2010.
Photo: Parks Canada | Parcs Canada, Catherine Beaulieu, 2010.
- Built
- 1859–1876
- Recognized
- 1987
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
Inspired by the medieval chapter house, the Parliament Hill –Library is an octagonal stone building attached to the Centre Block. Designed in a highly romantic, Gothic Revival style, it is distinguished by richly coloured stonework, steep copper roof capped by iron cresting, radiating buttresses and by large pointed-arched windows that bring light into its spectacular reading room. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
The Parliament Hill -Librarywas designated Classified because it is a national symbol of outstanding architectural and artistic merit which continues to serve its historical function in support of the operation of the Parliament of Canada.
The Parliament Hill -Library building is the best extent example of the work of Thomas Fuller, a distinguished Canadian architect. It plays a feature role in establishing the overall character of the Parliament Hill complex. In the library’s role as an archival depository, it harbours a collection that began as an initiative of Lord Simcoe, following his appointment as first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada in 1791. It presently contains a rare and specialized collection of more than 600,000 volumes dealing primarily with parliamentary procedure, economies, finance, and constitutional law.
Sources:
Jacqueline Adell, Parliament Hill Complex, Ottawa, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 86-052;Parliament Hill Complex, Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 86-052.
Character‑defining elements
Key elements that embody the heritage character of the Parliament Hill –Library include
-all of the exterior chapter house form of the Library;
-the form, surfaces and fitments of its domed reading room with radiating stacks;
-the quality of natural light in the reading room;
-its historical function in support of the operation of the Parliament of Canada.
End of the register’s text
Location
111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
45.42542° N, 75.70026° W
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Nearby
All 195 places in Ottawa
Parliament Hill, Centre Blockwithin 100 m · 1916
EnhancedParliament Hill, Complexwithin 100 m · 1859
Parliament Buildings National Historic Site of Canadawithin 100 m · 1859
Public Grounds of the Parliament Buildings National Historic Site of Canada100 m · 1873
Commissariat Building200 m · Rideau Canal National Historic Site · 1827
Parliament Hill, East Block250 m · 1859
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.