Parliament Buildings (The Beehive)
Wellington
The Beehive, officially known as Te Whare Mīere in Māori, serves as the Executive Wing of New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings in Wellington. Its distinctive circular shape resembles a traditional woven beehive, or skep, lending the building its popular nickname. Construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1981, with the government moving into the upper floors by 1979. The building houses the offices of government ministers, with the Prime Minister's office located on the ninth floor and the Cabinet meeting on the top floor. Architecturally, the Beehive features a circular footprint with wedge-shaped and curved rooms, a marble-floored foyer adorned with Takaka marble columns and stainless steel mesh panels, and a copper roof that has naturally weathered over time. The interior is richly decorated with New Zealand artworks, including a large mural by John Drawbridge in the Banquet Hall and a textile wall hanging by Joan Calvert and Guy Ngan in the foyer. The Beehive is a Category I heritage building recognized for its outstanding significance in New Zealand governance and is considered one of the country's most recognizable landmarks. A tunnel connects it to Bowen House, another parliamentary office building.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan their visit during weekdays when the building is open for tours and parliamentary sessions. Booking tours in advance is recommended to secure entry and access to restricted areas. The Beehive is best visited in the spring and summer months for pleasant weather in Wellington. Discounts or concessions may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Photography is generally allowed in public areas but check for any restrictions during official events or sessions.
Faits intéressants
- •The Beehive’s roof is made from 20 tonnes of hand-welted and seamed copper, which has naturally weathered to a brown patina.
- •The building’s circular design results in many wedge-shaped and asymmetrical rooms, which is architecturally unique but challenging for interior layouts.
- •The Beehive has appeared on New Zealand’s twenty-dollar banknote since 1992, symbolizing its iconic national status.
- •A tunnel runs underneath Bowen Street connecting the Beehive to Bowen House, another parliamentary office building.
- •Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a plaque in the Beehive’s reception hall during her 1977 visit.
Histoire
The Beehive was conceived in the 1960s as a modern extension to the partially completed Parliament House, replacing original plans to complete the older building.
Scottish architect Basil Spence designed the initial concept, with detailed architectural work by Fergus Sheppard and structural design by the Ministry of Works.
Construction began in 1969, with the podium and underground facilities completed first.
The building was officially opened by Prime Minister Robert Muldoon in 1977, with government offices fully occupied by 1979 and an annexe completed in 1981.
Renovations and modernization took place from 1998 to 2006, and roof repairs occurred in 2013-2014.
In 2015, Heritage New Zealand designated the Beehive a Category I heritage building, recognizing its central role in New Zealand's governance and iconic status.
Guide du lieu
Entrance Foyer1977
The main entrance features a striking interior with marble floors, Takaka marble-clad columns, stainless steel mesh wall panels, and a translucent glass ceiling, creating an elegant welcome area.
Banquet Hall Mural1977
A large mural by John Drawbridge decorates the inner wall of the Banquet Hall, measuring 42 meters long and 4.8 meters high, portraying the atmosphere and sky of New Zealand.
Prime Minister’s Office (9th Floor)
Located on the ninth floor, this office is the official workplace of New Zealand's Prime Minister, symbolizing executive leadership within the Beehive.
Cabinet Meeting Room (Top Floor)
The top floor houses the Cabinet meeting room where the government ministers convene to discuss and decide on national policies.
Contact
Téléphone: 04 817 9999