Tourism, Culture and Recreation
December 16, 2009
Restoration of Colonial Building
Hits Milestone
The restoration of the Colonial Building, opened in
1850 as the first permanent home of the Newfoundland
legislature, has moved forward with the recent
stabilization of the ceilings in the two legislative
chambers, and the restoration of two highly-decorative
murals, originally completed in 1880 by Polish painter
Alexander Pindikowski.
The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation, said the Colonial Building is an
iconic structure, and a symbol of Newfoundland and
Labrador�s identity as a self-governing people.
�Having been through the building twice in recent weeks,
I am frankly in awe of the work completed on the
ceilings, and the plans to preserve the building�s
structural integrity and beauty,� said Minister French.
�It is important that we save this architectural gem for
present and future generations, and that we make the
story of the Colonial Building come alive for residents
and visitors alike.�
Based on extensive research and expert consultation, the
Colonial Building will be restored to reflect
significant stages in its evolution. The front fa�ade
and lobby will reflect the 1850s period, while the
legislative chambers will be restored to the 1880s
period. Future plans include roof replacement,
restoration of several interior and exterior design
features, installation of a wrought iron fence which
once enveloped the property, and interactive,
interpretative exhibits.
�We are actually seeking the public�s assistance in
providing any photographs dated prior to 1959 that may
reveal details of the interior of the building and, in
particular, the iron fence that once stood outside,�
said Minister French. �We have one opportunity to do
this job right � and we fully intend to do just that.�
Once restored, the Colonial Building � which is a
designated Provincial Historic Site � will be an
interpretation centre, featuring the political history
of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as a home to
Provincial Historic Sites staff and a number of
heritage-related not-for-profit organizations. It is
anticipated the building will be open to the public some
time in 2013.
The Provincial Government has, to date, committed
approximately $3.5 million to the Colonial Building
restoration project, with an additional $748,000
provided through the Federal Government Cultural Spaces
Fund, administered through the Department of Canadian
Heritage.
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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
2009 12 16
1:10 p.m.
