Next stop today on the Doors Open Toronto itinerary was Queens Park, the Ontario Legislature. It is not necessary to come during 'doors open' as it is open to visitors daily. However I have never actually made the effort to go always busy with work during the day.

The closest I ever came to visiting was on a Saturday in the 90s when my cousin from overseas was visiting but they had stopped tours for the day and told us to come back on weekdays, which we didnt.

I've had jobs close to here and I could have easily come during lunch or after work but I was just never bothered. I should have all those years ago as this is a wonder hidden in plain sight.

The exterior is made from red stone and a landmark at the top of University Ave. However this conceals the interior which is nowhere as dull as its exterior facade.

There are two wings to the building on either side and each is three tiered. One wing is a three tiered wooden design, the other wing is a three tiered marble design.

All the walls are crammed full like an art gallery. Some are landscapes by local artists showing the natural diversity of the Province. Others are portraits of each of the Premiers.

There are also 'class photos' for all of the elected members in each sessions. The more interesting ones are from the late 1800s when the Legislature was first formed. There were no women and it was hard to tell the men apart all with identical beards.

With the rise of women elected MPPs in recent decades they have their own gallery of every elected female MPP up to and including our current Premier who is the first female Premier of Ontario and openly gay.

The Legislature chamber is all you usually see on tv. We could only go thru one passage at the bottom so we couldnt see the upper balconies or walk thru the rows of seats.

The Governor Generals Office was also impressive with its red decor, furnishings, and rugs. The gallery of past Governors was also quite historical looking at their military dress in their portraits. The Premiers and other offices were not open to viewing.

Having visited so many palaces overseas recently this felt like our own both with its design and artwork. The building is open to the public daily so its worth a visit and not to be overlooked as I had done for so many years. I will probably visit again now I know whats inside hidden in plain sight.