There is something utopian about this place. The snow-white facade of the building with clear strict lines perfectly matches the clouds of the bright blue sky. In front of the entrance, there is a perfect green lawn, which tempts you to step on it. There is an artificial pond nearby. Its mirror surface reflects the facade and the sky, creating a symmetrical image. The national flag of Australia is proudly flying on top of the huge flagpole. This place is the new Australian Parliament House in Canberra.

The old Parliament building is also located here – in front of the Capital Hill on the way to the current residence. It served as a temporary home for the state government for more than sixty years. Today it houses the Parliamentary Museum.

The decision to build a new building was made in 1978. There was an architectural competition, where 329 projects from 29 countries were submitted. The winner was a team from the United States led by Italian-born architect Romaldo Giurgola, who supervised all the work.

Although the exterior of the Australian Parliament House resembles two crossed boomerangs, its design is based on the old building, which is located in front of it. The facades of both residences vividly show this. The principal difference between the two Parliament Houses is in the way the new one is built: it does not rise on a hill but stands as if embedded in it. Due to this design solution, visitors can safely walk on the roof of the building.

Territory improvement was done by landscape architect Peter Rolland. According to his design decision, tiles and a pond appeared in front of the Parliament House. External lighting and illumination are also the results of his work.

Inside the building, the most interesting is the House of Representatives and the Senate Room. The first is designed according to the British House of Commons, the second – according to the House of Lords. There places for the press and the public as well as separate rooms with sound insulation for students so that the heated discussions of young people do not interfere with work.

The entrance to the Australian Parliament is open for visitors and free of charge. It regularly hosts excursions, exhibitions, and other events. Locals can always attend official government meetings. You can find out about upcoming events on the official website of the Australian Parliament.