At first glance the Saskatchewan Legislative Building may appear to be nothing more than a giant government headquarters, however this past weekend I learned differently. Tours depart from the front desk every thirty minutes, lead you through a number of very interesting parts of the building and share some surprising pieces of information. For example, could you imagine the impressive limestone facade replaced by red brick? Did you know the building features a library?

Stand directly below the shiny new copper dome and you’re surrounded by extinct giants. The green marble used for the massive columns is no longer found anywhere on earth and if you look closely there are figures hiding in the marbled variations - can you see the Christmas nutcracker in this column? Look directly up and you’ll see light illuminating the circular skylight above, but it’s not sunlight. The copper dome eclipses the sun ten metres above, so lights are used to artificially brighten up the skylight.

You can peak your head into the assembly room, but only elected politicians are allow to set foot and the swanky green carpet. I had my first look at this room in early June when I was introduced to the legislative assembly by Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Mark Docherty - which was a huge honour. Even when empty the room is rather impressive, with plenty of intricately carved wooden molding and extensively decorate high ceilings. I suppose if you’re super interested in politics this room holds some significance too, as it’s here that provincial laws and policies are debated.

Further along, the library is a scene right out of an old James Bond movie. The moment you set foot inside, you’ll half expect a secret door to open and a disfigured arch nemesis to emerge. Once you return to reality, the wonderment of the library unfolds. At one end is the confederation table, under a window is Thomas Scott’s personal desk and then there are the books. You can read anything that catches your interest and there’s plenty to chose from. There’s even a number of selves for community newspapers from all over the province.

Downstairs, is a room filled with portraits of every Saskatchewan premier as well as a fun glass cabinet containing many of our provincial emblems - although there didn’t appear to be any piece of Scotty the T.rex in there. The Assiniboine Gallery holds portraits of a number of prominent Indigenous Leaders. These portraits are by Edmund Montague Morris and they’re stunning - the detail, character and personality they convey is amazing.

Big shout out to Jean-René who did a wonderful job of sharing a wealth of knowledge. In fact, the manner in which he presented the countless interesting tidbits of information really solidified the experience. Instead of feeling like just another walking tour of some random museum, Jean-René put enthusiasm and energy into presentation of information, making it feel informal yet professional. If you’re in Regina try and find time to explore the Legislative Building - it’s a remarkable building and provides a fun means of explore a little bit of Saskatchewan’s past.