Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

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A bronze statue of a man is the focal point of a hall with a timbered floor and white columns.

This black and white photograph of King’s Hall looks along the length of the room to the slightly larger than life bronze statue of King George the Fifth on a marble pedestal. King’s Hall is a large white room with a vaulted ceiling, celerestory windows, colonnades and a polished parquet floor. The walls and columns feature artworks and portraits. You can see people wandering through the space including a family with young children and an older lady. In the foreground are two signs.

Old Parliament House

King's Hall

A meeting place that's always been the centre of the action.

A colour photograph of the Prime Minister's Desk. Behind it is a comfortable office chair and an Australian flag on a pole. In front and to the side of the desk are armchairs.

This colour photograph captures a conversation between Prime Minister Bob Hawke seated on the left and Treasurer Paul Keating seated on the right. The photo shows the corner of the desk with Hawke sitting behind the desk while Keating sits to the side with both men facing each other. Both are dressed in black suits with white shirts and red ties contrasting the pale blue curtains in the background.

Old Parliament House

Prime Minister's Suite

Explore the surprisingly humble office where Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke once led the country.

A view into the Senate Chamber looking straight into the room with benches in a U-shape on either side of the centre table. The carpet is a rich red and the seats are red leather. Art deco lights hang from the ceiling and wood timber panels surround the room.

This black and white photograph shows the Duke of York reading a message from his father the King in the Senate Chamber. The room is crowded with at least 200 people, mostly men with some women all wearing their best. Men are dressed in suits, military uniform or gowns and wigs while the women wear formal dresses with hats and gloves. The crowd is in a horseshoe shape around the central table while the Duke stands at the head of the table.

Old Parliament House

Senate Chamber

Stand in the room where history-making moments happened.

A large timber desk covered in folders and notes, with a vase with roses on it.

This professional colour photograph shows Principal Private Secretary John Porter and Speaker Joan Child sitting across from each other at the Speaker’s desk. John is wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie and Joan is in a white blouse and vibrant blue jacket. They are discussing the daily program for the House of Representatives Chamber. There is a vase of roses, stationery and paperwork on the desk. In the background the curtains have been drawn to reveal a large east-facing window.

Old Parliament House

Speaker’s Suite

Celebrates the life and work of Joan Child, the first woman to become Speaker of the House.

A view out to the Senate chamber. In the foreground are red leather bound books on a long table. Red carpet and red leather chairs in a horseshoe shape with timber panels and art deco lights.

Collection and heritage

We are a living museum of Australian political and social history.

A man and a woman look at a sign inside the museum. The girl has pink hair and a rainbow shirt and wears a face mask. The man wears a blue shirt and a face mask.

Map

Use this page to find the locations of exhibitions, heritage spaces, the cafe and visitor facilities.

Black and white image of the front of Old Parliament House with a crowd of people of gathered at the foot of the stairs. The building is white with columns and an Australian flag flies at the top.

Indigenous rights and freedoms – an experience of democracy

Tells the stories of Old Parliament House from a First Nations perspective.

Two boxes, one green and one orange, with bees flying around.

My voice counts

Ways to stay informed and participate in the election process without voting.

Two hexagonal shapes, one with an activity idea and the other with a cartoon of Old Parliament House, with two bees in the background and a group of three girls.

Help your hive thrive

How can we better support local bees?

A cartoon of Old Parliament House on top of a tree, a beehive hanging from its branch, and wildlife on and around the building.

Engaging with your local environment

Help students build connections with the animals and plants around them.

Activity ideas to connect with community and environment, with decorative bunting on a blue background.

Create, celebrate and connect

Engaging activity ideas to support young people connect with those around them.

Two blue squares with activities on making a difference, surrounded by bees and green plants.

Make a difference

Creative activity ideas for young people to support those around them.