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75 years of making history
Seventy-five years ago, the new 'provisional' Parliament House in Canberra was opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in a spectacle of military parades and fanfare. Old Parliament House, as it is now known, is one of Canberra's most popular tourist attractions and is celebrating this milestone birthday throughout 2002 with special events and activities for its visitors.
Old Parliament House--home to federal parliament from 1927 to 1988--is a much-loved and recognised landmark which symbolises Australia's unique democracy and history. Every part of the building tells a story: from the balconies, staff and workers watched as protests were held in opposition to the policies of the day; and in the offices, libraries, party rooms and even the bar, the future directions of Australia were decided.
These stories of the House are brought to life every day through guided tours, exhibitions, displays in key spaces and offices and through the conservation of the building and its original furniture. Visitors can sit in the very seats where our leaders sat, go behind the scenes of the Prime Minister's suite and relive the monumental decisions that were made and challenges faced.
One of the highlights of the 75th birthday celebrations so far has been a re-enactment of the original 1927 opening on the 9th of May, 75 years to the day. Once again, the House reverberated with the sounds of marching bands and excited crowds, as the re-enactment started with a parade of the Royal Military College of Australia marching band and the prestigious 100-member Federation military guard. Drama students in full costume played the role of officials such as Prime Minister Bruce, with the 'Duke and Duchess of York' arriving in horse and carriage. Over 300 school students took on the role of the flag-waving public and the House was dressed with Australian and British flags and red carpet just as it was in 1927. More than 20 people who were at the original opening in 1927 also attended the re-enactment, reliving the memories of 75 years ago.
The birthday celebrations also included the opening to the public, in full, of the offices in the Prime Minister's suite for the first time, as well as two new exhibitions. Icons--Images of 20th century architecture uses photographs, by leading photographers such as the late Max Dupain, of 20th century architecture to explore the reasons why some buildings become icons. Our House--Stories of Old Parliament House traces the life of the House, from original design and construction to the last days.
At the launch of the exhibition Our House, Senator Rod Kemp, Minister for the Arts and Sport, reflected on his days working in Old Parliament House as a staffer, and his pride in returning to the House as a Minister in this formal capacity. He said '...Old Parliament House stays, a cherished part of the Australian cultural landscape--a symbol of the democracy we built and of the values that shaped us. Just as importantly, this building has become an important repository of the very history it witnessed unfolding.'
Doug Anthony, former Deputy Prime Minister and long-serving MP, reminisced about the House and the social aspects of being a parliamentarian here. He spoke about how the House was always 'full of life' and how now, 14 years after the Federal Parliament's move up the hill, it was again alive with activities and exhibitions.
The 75th anniversary of the opening of Old Parliament House is a chance to reflect on what makes this building so well-loved: a chance to explain why so many visitors to the House comment on its ambience and sense of history. Is it in the building itself--the way it was designed and care that was taken with its furnishings? Is it because of the significant events that happened here and the names of the famous people who walked its halls? Or, is it about the thousands of people who passed through this building over the years, on their way to write the newspaper stories, cook the meals or advise the minister? Perhaps it is the impact of all of these people on the nation over the past 75 years that makes this building an Australian icon.
The 75th birthday celebrations continue throughout the year. Celebrations go outdoors with a garden festival in November, new exhibitions open in December and the Night Sittings series of debates and talks continue. A particular highlight involves people from all over Australia being asked to submit their pictures and recollections of Old Parliament House, culminating in an exhibition later in the year.
A detailed program of 75th birthday events is available from: Marketing, Old Parliament House
Phone 02 6270 8118.
Old Parliament House is part of the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.