Old Parliament House : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Have you ever heard about the Old Parliament House in Australia? This building, also known as the Provisional Parliament House, is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. A defining symbol of nationhood and democracy, it was the home of the Australian Federal Government for almost 70 years. It is now a museum and heritage site dedicated to preserving the history of Australian government, including the nation’s formative years. In this blog, we will take a look at the interesting facts, information and travel guide about Old Parliament House.

Interesting Facts About Old Parliament House

1. The original plan for the design of Old Parliament House, as envisioned by John Smith Murdoch, was to create an impressive colonial-style building that would be indicative of the spirit of the new nation of Australia.

2. The cornerstone for the new Parliament House in Canberra was laid by the Governor-General in May 1927.

3. Becoming the principal meeting place for the Parliament of Australia 1955, Old Parliament House was the pulsating heart of Australian politics for over 60 years.

4. Electricity lighting up Old Parliament House cost the taxpayers of Australia a hefty 3.3 million pounds in 1927.

5. During World War II, the building was used as a Royal Australian Air Force base.

6. After WWII, it could have been sold for scrap. But thankfully it was not!

7. Between 1996 and 1998, a trust managed the preservation efforts of the Old Parliament House.

8. In 1988, the Heritage Council of Australia declared Old Parliament House a place of national significance.

9. It is the site of some of the continents’ most iconic historical moments such as the signing of the Statute of Westminster and the election of the first federal Labor government.

10. It also hosted the first international environmental conference in 1955.

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History & Information About Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House, located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, was the seat of the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia from 1927-1988. It served as the interim parliament of Australia until the new Parliament House was opened in 1988. It now serves as a museum of Australian political history, hosting numerous events related to the nation’s past, as well as providing educational programs.

The building’s design was chosen after a competition held in 1924. The winning plans were created by John Smith Murdoch and 3 other domestic architects. Construction began in 1925, supervised by the newly established Department of Works and Railways. The foundation stone was laid by the Duke of York on the 17th of May, 1927, and the building was opened by Prime Minister Stanley Bruce on the 9th of May, 1927.

Old Parliament House is considered an important heritage site in Australia, and is a protected heritage building under the Commonwealth Heritage Management Plan. It also holds a significant place in the memory of many Australians as it was the site of some of the nation’s most important defining moments. Some of its most important events include the formation of Australia’s first Labor government in 1929, the passing of the referendum in 1967 that allowed the indigenous population to be counted in the census, and the election of Australia’s first female Prime Minister in 1983.

Old Parliament House is open daily to the public, offering free guided tours. It is also available for private functions such as weddings, conventions, meetings and lunches. It is well worth a visit, as it is a part of Australian history.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House is one of the most impressive historic buildings in Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory. This grand edifice was home to the Parliament of Australia between 1927 and 1988, when it then moved into the New Parliament House. It acted as the centrepiece of the nations politics for 6 decades, and opened in May 1927 with celebrations held by the then Governor General, Lord Trevylyan.

Today, Old Parliament House is open to the public to explore and learn about the history of the building and the nation. It is also home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, which features permanent and temporary exhibitions from Australia’s past.

Through visiting Old Parliament House, visitors gain an insight into the rich history of Australia’s government, as well as enjoy the impressive architecture.

Here is a guide to exploring Old Parliament House in Canberra:

Hours:
Old Parliament House is open daily from 9am – 5pm.

Admission:
Admission to Old Parliament House is free.

Activities:
• Explore industry-leading exhibitions from the Museum of Australian Democracy
• See inside the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as private rooms used by iconic politicians
• Learn about Old Parliament House through a guided tour.
• Watch a movie about Australian democracy at the Inspire Theatre
• Take part in a workshop, such as Question Time
• Book a self-guided visit for solo travelers or small groups
• Enjoy a picnic in the courtyard and explore the grounds

Tips for Visiting:
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera.
• Check online for special events and activities at Old Parliament House.
• Book ahead of time to get the best tours and experiences.
• Make sure to visit the gardens and parks, and see the changing of the guards ceremony.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Old Parliament House

Q. What is Old Parliament House in Canberra?
A. Old Parliament House is a historic building located on Capital Hill in the city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. It served as the home of the federal Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988.

Q. What is the history of Old Parliament House?
A. Old Parliament House was planned and approved by Prime Minister Stanley Bruce in 1923 as the new permanent home for Australia’s Commonwealth parliament. The building was designed by John Smith Murdoch and opened in 1927 by King George V. It served as the home of the Australian Parliament until 1988, when the new building, today known as Parliament House, was opened on Capital Hill.

Q. Are there any events at Old Parliament House?
A. Yes, Old Parliament House hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as movie screenings, concerts, guided tours, and educational programs.

Q. Is there an admission fee to visit Old Parliament House?
A. No, there is no admission fee to visit Old Parliament House. However, some guided tours and special events do require tickets or advance registration.

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