The Library of Parliament’s collection of art and artefacts consists of rare and unique items that chronicle the history of Canada, as well as the history of Parliament and the Library. The Library has collected these artworks and artefacts over time. They take various forms, covering significant periods in Canadian history, from pre-Confederation to the present.
New items from this collection will be added regularly.
What is in the art and artefacts collection?
Some items in this Library of Parliament collection have great historical value. They testify to the places, events and people that shaped the history of Parliament and of Canada. The most important heritage asset in the collection is undoubtedly the Confederation Inkstand, which was used at the Québec conferences of 1864 and 1943, as well as for the entry of Newfoundland into Confederation in December 1948 and February 1949.
The collection also includes items of ceremonial or esthetic value and examples of decorative and visual arts, such as busts, statues, bas reliefs, paintings, heritage furniture and other decorative pieces. Architectural plans and drawings of the Library building are also preserved in the collection. In addition, the Library’s collection includes some textiles and clothing, such as the civilian dress uniform that belonged to Joseph de La Broquerie Taché, General Librarian of the Library from 1920 to 1932
The works of art and artefacts are conserved to modern museum standards in the Library’s rare book room, where temperature, humidity, light levels and access are controlled. Some items have undergone conservation treatments to preserve them for future generations.
