Parliament House : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Parliament House – one of the most iconic symbols of the United Kingdom’s history and culture. Here, we will discuss interesting facts and information about the monumental building, along with travel tips for those who plan to visit the famous site. Parliament House is an amazing and historically significant place to explore, and we hope to provide you with all the information you need to make the most out of your trip. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Interesting Facts About Parliament House

1. The first Parliament House was opened in 1927 and was originally only one storey high.

2. The new Parliament House was opened in 1988, more than 50 years after the first.

3. It took 8 years to build the current Parliament House and cost over 750 million dollars.

4. The new Parliament House stands an impressive 78 m high and contains over 41,000 square meters of internal floor space.

5. The roof of Parliament House is covered with zinc and 1.5 million tiles.

6. A 900-seat House of Representatives chamber and 150-seat Senate chamber are two of the largest rooms in the building.

7. The grand Vestibule, with its long staircases, is a symbol of democracy and is an impressive sight from outside Parliament House.

8. There are 4,500 rooms in the building, filled with offices, galleries and committee rooms.

9. The building is also home to the Prime Minster and other politicians.

10. Parliament House is the most secure building in Australia, with biometric locks, metal detectors and other security devices.

• Parliament House : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Parliament House

Parliament House stands in Canberra, as the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia. The building was opened on 9 May 1988 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia. It cost more than A$1.1 billion to build.

The House is constructed of a large patterned granite, chrome steel and glass façade. The design of the building was meant to signify a modern, progressive nation. Its layout was designed to facilitate interaction between the elected and the public, and was shaped by the artistic and symbolic ideals of the time.

The building includes a chamber for the House of Representatives and one for the Senate, both of which are of equal size. It also contains offices for the government ministers, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate. The chambers are surrounded by large open atriums.

Parliament House is open to the public and includes the Parliament House Visitor Centre, which houses interactive displays and exhibits. The Visitor Centre also offers guided tours of the building that take visitors through the chambers, galleries and gardens surrounding the building. Visitors can learn about the history of Australian Government, the role of Parliament House and watch a live video feed from the chambers. The centre also hosts performances and special events.

Parliament House is a major landmark of Canberra and is renowned for its architecture and symbolic significance. It has become a popular tourist attraction in the city and is a defining feature of the city skyline.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Parliament House

Parliament House is the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia, located in Canberra, the capital of Australia. This grand building is home to the two houses of the Parliament – the Senate and the House of Representatives. Visitors can explore the parliamentary chambers, committee rooms and galleries, as well as other public spaces such as the Great Hall, Flag Hall and Prime Minister’s Courtyard. It is open to all visitors and offers guided tours and educational activities for all ages.

Getting There:

Parliament House is located in the heart of downtown Canberra on Capital Hill. It is easily accessible by public transport, including bus routes and light rail. It is also located close to many of Canberra’s main attractions.

Tours:

Parliament House offers free guided tours through the parliamentary chambers and other public spaces. Tours are offered daily, except on public holidays. There are also audio tours and educational activities for children.

Accessibility:

Parliament House has wheelchair access to all areas and is equipped with an elevator to accommodate guests with mobility issues. Free wheelchairs are also available for use.

Hours of Operation:

Parliament House is open to the public from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

What to See:

Visitors can explore Parliament House and enjoy views of the beautiful gardens surrounding it. It is home to the Senate and House of Representatives, where visitors can observe parliamentary proceedings. There are also lots of interesting exhibitions, such as the Flag Hall, Prime Minister’s Courtyard and the Prime Minister’s Gallery.

Other nearby attractions to check out include the National Museum of Australia, National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial.

Dining:

The Parliament House Café serves light snacks and drinks throughout the day. Souvenir items can be purchased from the gift shop, including books, postcards and souvenirs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Parliament House

Q: When was Parliament House Built?

A: Parliament House Canberra was officially opened in 1988 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Q: What is the building size of Parliament House?

A: Parliament House covers an area of 18.5 hectares (198,000sqm) and includes 142,000sqm of usable floor space.

Q: What facilities are available within Parliament House?

A: Parliament House offers a range of facilities including a library, conference facilities, public galleries and café areas.

Q: How can I visit Parliament House?

A: Arrangements must be made in advance to visit Parliament House. Visits to Parliament House can be arranged through the web site or by phoning the House Visits office on (02) 6277 4881.

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