Parliament House

About Parliament House

Parliament House, also known as Capital Hill, is an impressive architectural feat in Canberra, Australia's capital city. Designed by the renowned Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects and built by a Concrete Constructions and John Holland joint venture, this monumental structure is the meeting point of Commonwealth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Kings Avenue, enclosed by the State Circle. As the seat of the legislative branch of the Australian Government, this iconic building plays an integral role in shaping the country's future. Its doors were ceremoniously opened by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on 9 May 1988, and it stands as a testament to Australian democracy. The construction of the Parliament House came at a significant expense of more than A$1.1 billion, equivalent to about $4.3 billion in 2018. Today, it remains a symbol of the country's pride and progress.

Parliament House, the heart of Australia's political power, opens its public entrance onto the main foyer that leads into the Great Hall. This remarkable hall is adorned with a tapestry based on a painting by Arthur Boyd, adding a touch of artistry to the otherwise strictly political space. Home to an array of parliamentary and federal functions, it is not uncommon to find important gatherings taking place here. However, this space also caters to the general public, welcoming many events such as weddings and graduation ceremonies. The Great Hall's removable division allows access to the restricted Members' Hall, where a serene water feature takes centre stage. This area is only accessible to residents with required security clearance or special visitors. To the Members' Hall's direct front lies the Ministerial Wing, housing the Prime Minister and government Ministers' private workspaces. The Members' Hall has convenient access to the Parliament House's two legislative buildings, the House of Representatives and the Senate. It all sits majestically for visitors to peer into and admire the grandeur of Australia's political epicentre.

What to do at Parliament House

The Parliament House Art Collection is an extraordinary showcase of over 6,000 works of art that are integral to the Australian identity. The collection features commissioned and purchased portraits of distinguished leaders, including every prime minister, governor-general, senate president, and house speaker. These works represent a testament to the rich history of Australia and its exceptional leaders. Additionally, the collection boasts a selection of other works of art that are significant to the nation and showcase the artistic talent of Australia. The Parliament House Art Collection stands as a testament to the unparalleled cultural heritage of the country and is a must-see for any art lover visiting Australia.

The interior design of Australia's Parliament House is steeped in tradition, with a nod to the country's unique landscape. Although the colours of the Senate and House of Representatives may seem familiar to those familiar with the British Parliament, they have been adapted to reflect the red ochre and grey-green hues of the Australian landscape. At the heart of it all is the striking flag mast, one of the largest stainless-steel structures in the world. This imposing structure bears the Australian flag, which flies proudly over Parliament House 24 hours a day. The flag, which is about the size of a double-decker bus, serves as a symbol of the country's democracy and commitment to its citizens.

One local company in Canberra that is involved in this tourist attraction site is:

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Address: 1001/2 Captain Cook Cres, Griffith ACT 2603

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Original source: https://www.concretingservicescanberra.com.au/blog/parliament-house