Parliament House, Capitol building in Macquarie Street, Sydney, Australia.
Parliament House is a capitol building on Macquarie Street in Sydney, Australia, featuring a two-story Georgian structure with neo-gothic wings. The historic core connects to a modern twelve-story office tower that houses additional parliamentary functions.
The northern wing began in 1816 as part of the Rum Hospital, funded through a contract allowing contractors to import substantial quantities of rum. The building has served as the seat of government since 1829, making it the oldest surviving structure in Sydney's central business district.
The building displays artworks from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, including works by four female artists positioned throughout prominent spaces. These pieces reflect how the structure connects art and governance in its daily operations.
Visitors can participate in one-hour guided tours through the Legislative Chambers and view the historic Parkes, Wentworth, and Jubilee rooms on certain days. It helps to check ahead about availability since tour times vary with parliamentary sessions.
The building was originally planned as a hospital and later repurposed as a parliament, an unusual trajectory for a seat of government. This transformation shapes the spatial layout and heritage character visitors encounter today.
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