Langevin Block

The Langevin Block is the main headquarter of the executive branch of the Government of Canada. Located opposite to the Parliament Hill of Ottawa, the Langevin Block is the office for the Privy Council of Canada. It is also the main office of the Canadian Prime Minister. Founded in 1889, the Langevin Block boasts of being the first Canadian government building to be built near the Parliament Hill. Initially, the block was known as the Southwest Departmental Building. Later on, it was named Langevin Block, after the Public Works Minister of Canada Sir Hector Louis Langevin.

The Langevin Block of Ottawa has gained immense prominence due to its Second Empire Style architecture. Most of the buildings of this period were made in Gothic style. This unique architecture of the Langevin Block was conceived by Thomas Fuller, the chief dominion architect. As Canada was growing rapidly, it became almost impossible to accommodate the Canadian officials in the Parliament Hill. Due to this several important governmental functions were carried outside the Centre Block. This necessitated the creation of the Langevin Block in Ottawa.

Located in the Wellington Street of Canada, Langevin Block lies very near to some of the major attractions of the country, namely, Government Conference Centre, Rideau Canal, National Arts Centre and Chateau Laurier. Tourists from various parts of the world come here to catch a glimpse of this unique architecture.