Alberta Legislature Building, Edmonton (must see)

The Alberta Legislature Building serves as the central hub for the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council of Alberta. Constructed between 1907 and 1913, the building exemplifies the Beaux-Arts architectural style, which was selected for its association with power, permanence, and tradition. The architects, Allan Merrick Jeffers and Richard Blakey, incorporated elements from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian architecture, which was common for significant public buildings of that era.

The architectural grandeur of the Alberta Legislature Building is evident in its large central dome, which rises above a spacious rotunda. This design feature is a hallmark of the Beaux-Arts style, emphasizing symmetry and monumental scale. The building’s T-shaped plan, decorated doors and windows, and portico supported by massive columns further illustrate its classical influences. The structure is anchored on concrete piles and built around a steel skeleton, ensuring its durability and stability. The lower floors are clad in granite from Vancouver Island, while the upper floors feature sandstone from Calgary's Glenbow Quarry.

Inside, the Alberta Legislature Building boasts luxurious materials that add to its opulent appearance. The fittings include imported marble, rich mahogany, sturdy oak, and gleaming brass, reflecting the building’s importance and the wealth of detail invested in its construction. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also signify the building's role as a seat of government and a symbol of the province's heritage.