Provincial Council Chambers

Provincial Council Chambers Review

This impressive complex of Gothic Revival stone and wooden buildings beside the Avon River was once the seat of Canterbury's government, which ran from 1853 to 1876. They were badly damaged in the earthquakes. Although the stone and timber buildings are closed at this writing, the Interpretation Centre is open to the public. Visitors are welcome to enter the courtyard to view the chimney that was removed off the Stone Chamber so stabilization work can begin. A large clock intended for the tower proved too big and stands a few blocks away, at the intersection of Victoria, Salisbury, and Montreal streets. It stopped at 12.51pm (the time of the February 2011 earthquake) and has a quirky tilt on its crowning crosspiece.