The Museum of Australian Democracy acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.

The museum respectfully acknowledges the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to play in shaping Australia’s democracy.

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Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
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Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
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    The Gardens

    The Building

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    Aerial view of the building and surrounding gardens in the 1940s.
    Aerial view of the building and surrounding gardens in the 1940s. National Library of Australia.

    Sometimes even politicians need to get away from people and politics. The gardens on either side of the building gave them the chance to do that. The gardens were for the exclusive use of members and senators, although parliamentary staff also had access to them at certain times. Surrounding cypress hedges, planted around the edge of the gardens, acted as a wind break and made the gardens feel more private.

    The parliamentary gardens were central to architect John Smith Murdoch’s vision for the building. Parliamentarians wanted private gardens, as they had enjoyed the attractive gardens of the State Parliament House in Melbourne. Once the Old Parliament House gardens had grown, they became a focal point for formal and informal gatherings, sporting activities, recreation and relaxation. The sporting facilities included tennis courts, a bowling green, cricket pitch and later, squash courts.

    The gardens were used for formal events associated with royal visits and the opening of Parliament. Some politicians used the gardens to launch new policies and initiatives, and journalists using the gardens as a backdrop for television programs. Others thought of creative uses for the gardens. One politician set up his beehives there and used the jars of honey as peace offerings to members of the opposing parties.

    The gardens also provided floral decoration for offices and the dining rooms. The harmony created by John Smith Murdoch between the building and its unpretentious gardens was recognised when they were listed on the Register of the National Estate. The Register cites the importance of the gardens as ‘expressing their history in plantings, sports facilities, modest features and layout patterns’. When Parliament left in 1988, the National Capital Authority took over the management of the gardens. In 2002, the gardens were refurbished with a fresh design and upgraded amenities.

    Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

    18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600, Australia

    PO Box 3934
    Manuka ACT 2603

    9am to 5pm daily 
    Closed Christmas Day

    ABN: 30 620 774 963

    Telephone: 02 6270 8222

    Enquiries:
    info@moadoph.gov.au

    Please note: video surveillance is used 24 hours a day around and throughout the building and may be used for research purposes

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    The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is a Corporate Commonwealth Entity within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts