Parliament House, Canberra
Australian Capital Territory
Parliament House in Canberra serves as the meeting place for the Parliament of Australia, housing both legislative and executive branches, including the Cabinet room and Prime Minister's offices. Situated prominently on Capital Hill at the southern apex of the National Triangle, it is surrounded by major avenues and the State Circle. Designed by the architectural firm Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp, the building was constructed to replace the Old Parliament House, addressing space shortages and modern governmental needs. Its design uniquely integrates the building into the landscape by burying much of it beneath the hill, capped by a striking spire with a large Australian flag. Opened officially in 1988 by Queen Elizabeth II, the structure symbolizes Australian democracy and national identity. The building's facades subtly echo patterns from the Old Parliament House, linking tradition with contemporary scale. Parliament House is not only a functional government hub but also a cultural landmark reflecting Australia's political history and architectural innovation.
Planifiez votre voyage en Australie avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visitors are advised to check the official Parliament House website for guided tour schedules and security requirements. The best time to visit is during weekdays when parliamentary sessions may be observed. Entry is free, and booking in advance for tours is recommended to ensure availability. Accessible facilities are provided for visitors with mobility needs. Photography is allowed in public areas but restricted in some government offices.
Faits intéressants
- •Parliament House features the largest flagpole in Australia, standing 81 meters tall and flying a 12.8 by 6.4 meter Australian flag.
- •The building was designed to be partially underground, blending into Capital Hill's natural landscape to symbolize the government being 'of the people'.
- •The design competition for Parliament House attracted 329 entries from 29 countries, showcasing international architectural interest.
- •The spire supporting the flagpole traces the outline of the triangular Capitol building originally envisioned by Walter Burley Griffin.
- •Construction cost exceeded 1.1 billion Australian dollars, equivalent to about 4.9 billion in 2022, reflecting its scale and complexity.
Histoire
Following Australia's federation in 1901, the capital was designated to be in a federal territory within New South Wales, leading to the establishment of Canberra.
The original Parliament sat in Melbourne until 1927, after which Old Parliament House in Canberra served for over six decades.
Due to space constraints and the need for a modern facility, a design competition was held in the 1970s, resulting in the current Parliament House's construction atop Capital Hill.
Officially opened in 1988, it marked a new era for Australian governance, replacing the provisional Old Parliament House that had been in use since 1927.
Guide du lieu
Great Hall1988
A grand ceremonial space used for official events, featuring artworks and symbolic design elements representing Australian heritage.
Westminster Hall1988
A significant room used for parliamentary ceremonies and receptions, reflecting traditional British parliamentary heritage.
Flagpole and Spire1988
The 81-meter flagpole atop the building is a national symbol, visible from afar, representing Australian sovereignty and unity.
Prime Minister's Office1988
The working office of Australia's Prime Minister, located within Parliament House, where key decisions and meetings take place.
Contact
Téléphone: (02) 6277 7111
