Old Government Buildings, Wellington

At 55 Lambton Quay, opposite Wellington’s parliamentary buildings, the Old Government Buildings opened in 1876 to house the public service and executive. Its Italian-inspired exterior is timber, finished with details that imitate stone. Inside, look for the central suspended staircase, whose landings have no visible supports, and rooms with surviving cast-iron fireplaces. The building is now home to Victoria University of Wellington’s Law School, with display rooms open to the public. Entry is free, and a guided tour can bring the building’s architecture and history into focus.

A timber building for the new capital

The Old Government Buildings opened in 1876, after Wellington became New Zealand’s capital and the government moved south from Auckland. The building was designed to house the Wellington-based civil service and executive. As government offices grew, departments moved elsewhere; the building was empty by 1990.

The exterior uses timber cladding to evoke stone detailing, with an Italian-inspired design. Built from native kauri, it became one of the largest wooden buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. Its scale and formal facade make it a prominent part of the parliamentary district, across Lambton Quay from the Parliament buildings.

Details to look for inside

The central suspended staircase is a focal point. Its landings appear unsupported, and each drops progressively by 10 inches. Some rooms retain original features, including cast-iron fireplaces. Public display rooms contain placards about New Zealand’s history; most of the building is used by Victoria University of Wellington’s Law School.

You can explore the displays independently, or book a guided tour online to hear more about the building’s history and architecture. The building has free admission. Its address is 55 Lambton Quay, in Pipitea.