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Maritime Museum Birdcage Elevator — Victoria
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Maritime Museum Birdcage Elevator

Built in 1899, the lift at this Victoria museum is North America’s oldest operating birdcage elevator. As the museum once housed the Provincial Law Courts, the elevator was originally designed for use by Theodore Davie, the second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Col...

Photo · Melissa B.

Maritime Museum Birdcage Elevator — Victoria, Canada.

Location
Victoria
Type
Other
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About Maritime Museum Birdcage Elevator

Maritime Museum Birdcage Elevator - Victoria | Secret World Trip Planner

Built in 1899, the lift at this Victoria museum is North America’s oldest operating birdcage elevator. As the museum once housed the Provincial Law Courts, the elevator was originally designed for use by Theodore Davie, the second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, who at the time was suffering from advanced heart disease. Davie unfortunately passed away before he could ever use it. Though it was constructed well over a century ago, the elevator’s gold exterior and blue grillwork has been meticulously maintained and the ride still a surprisingly smooth one.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The elevator at the Maritime Museum in Victoria is North America's oldest operating birdcage elevator, built in 1899 and still in use today. Despite being over a century old, it features beautifully maintained gold exterior and blue grillwork, and remarkably provides a smooth, comfortable ride.
The elevator was originally constructed for Theodore Davie, the second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, who was suffering from advanced heart disease and needed assistance moving between floors. Sadly, Davie passed away before he had the opportunity to use the elevator he commissioned.
Yes, the birdcage elevator is still fully operational and visitors can experience riding in this historic 1899 lift during their museum visit. The elevator's smooth operation is surprisingly impressive for its age, making it a unique part of the museum experience.
The Maritime Museum building originally housed the Provincial Law Courts of British Columbia, which is why the elevator was installed for judicial use. This historic building's legal heritage adds to its significance as an important cultural landmark in Victoria.
The elevator has been meticulously maintained over more than 120 years, with its distinctive gold exterior and blue grillwork kept in pristine condition. This careful preservation work has allowed the elevator to remain not only visually stunning but also fully functional for museum visitors to enjoy.

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