Canada House

Recently, Shea and I were lucky enough to get the opportunity to enter Canada's High Commission located in the bustling Trafalgar Square.  This building has been going through some major renovations (130 million dollars worth!) and has just been recently re-opened by the Queen herself.  Because it is an official government building, it is not usually open for tour groups.  However, because of all the wonderful art and decor in the building, Canada's government occasionally opens it to the select few.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/queen-gets-stuck-traffic-makes-5192773

The Queen getting the Official Canadian welcome.

This chair was designed for King George V during the first Grand Opening of Canada House in 1925.

One of the many spectacular lighting fixtures in the building. All are designed and made by Canadians.

A ball room.

Here is a listing of all the rooms on the first floor.  Each room is themed after a province or territory. Within each room, EVERYTHING is from that area.

This is the Saskatchewan Room. Notice the Rough-rider green chairs.

There is a wonderful mix of old and new art by Canadians.

Apparently, this is one of the first "floating" staircases to ever exist in the world (notice that there is nothing below the stairs supporting it). When the building was first opened, people refused to go up the stairs, for fear they would fall.

Probably one of the best pieces of art in my opinion. It is the Great Lakes stamped onto sheet metal. 

The view. Outside you can see the London Eye in the distance.

There is even a patio! They still need to install the BBQ though. Here, you get a view of Trafalgar Square and the British Gallery. 

Even the door handles are Canadian!

It is a truly remarkable building! I recommend, if you can, to take the tour. We will be signing up for a second one because we were unable to see the Alberta Room due to some construction that is still taking place.