Foreign Office & India Office

These Grade I-listed government office buildings were designed by George Gilbert Scott in partnership with Matthew Digby Wyatt and built between 1861 and 1868. Scott designed the new Foreign Office as 'a kind of national palace or drawing room for the nation', using rich decoration to impress foreign visitors, particularly in the Larcano suite of rooms, which were originally intended for diplomatic receptions and conferences. The same is true of Wyatt's India Office, which includes the magnificent Durbar Court. The four sides of the court are composed of granite columns and piers supporting arches. The pavement is of Greek, Sicilian and Belgian marble. The buildings are usually open to public as part of Open House London weekend, which takes place in September.