The Royal Stones Tour Coming in May

Guild Park’s remarkable collection of architectural fragments includes more than just artistic craftsmanship – it also carries surprising connections to royal history.

On Sunday, May 17, a special guided tour, Royalty and the Richmond Building at Guild Park, explores the hand-carved stone “profiles” preserved from London, Ontario’s historic Richmond Building (1881). Among these are depictions of Queen Victoria, her son, the future King Edward VII (images above), and a connection with Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Click here for free tour registration.

These sculptural elements, now integrated into Guild Park’s landscape, offer a fascinating glimpse into the way architectural heritage can be preserved, relocated, and interpreted. Façade pieces from what was once part of a prominent opera house turned commercial building in southwest Ontario, are now displayed in Guild Park’s open-air gallery.

This Victoria Day weekend tour is your opportunity to encounter history in a new context. It’s designed to be engaging and accessible for a wide audience, including families and those interested in Canadian history, architecture, and storytelling.

It’s another example of how Guild Park brings together unexpected narratives—where local and global histories meet through art and nature.

If you enjoy tours and other park programs like these, consider becoming a member. Your support helps sustain Guild Park as a place where art meets nature.