Parliament of Victoria — Attraction in Melbourne

The Houses of Parliament in Victoria, located on Spring Street, is an iconic landmark that embodies the democratic spirit and political heritage of the state. This impressive building complex houses both the Parliament of Victoria and the offices of government officials. With its stunning architecture, historical significance, and cultural importance, the Houses of Parliament offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Victoria's governance.

Attractions: Legislative Assembly Chamber: Step into the Legislative Assembly Chamber, where members of parliament convene and debate. Admire the grandeur of the chamber's design, from the ornate woodwork to the magnificent speaker's chair.

Legislative Council Chamber: Visit the Legislative Council Chamber, the upper house of the Victorian Parliament. Marvel at the chamber's elegant decor, including the red leather benches and beautiful stained glass windows.

Queen's Hall: Explore Queen's Hall, a majestic space with a high vaulted ceiling and impressive marble columns. Admire the historical portraits and displays that pay homage to Victoria's political leaders.

Public Galleries: Take a seat in the public galleries, which overlook the parliamentary chambers. Observe the democratic process in action as debates and discussions unfold before you.

Parliamentary Library: Visit the Parliamentary Library, a treasure trove of knowledge and research materials. Admire the beautiful reading room and explore the extensive collection of books, journals, and historic documents.

History: The Houses of Parliament have a rich history that dates back to the 1850s. The current building, completed in 1892, showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Renaissance Revival and Second Empire. It has been the center of Victorian politics and governance for over a century, witnessing countless debates, legislation, and significant historical events.

Little-known facts: The Houses of Parliament were built on the site of the original Melbourne Public Library, which was demolished to make way for the new parliamentary buildings. The Parliament House contains over 20 types of marble from various parts of the world, giving the interior a truly majestic and opulent feel. The Parliamentary Library holds a collection of rare and valuable books, including a first edition of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species." The Queen's Hall features a magnificent stained glass window depicting Queen Victoria, paying tribute to the monarch after whom the state of Victoria was named. The building's iconic dome is made of copper and is crowned with a statue of the goddess Fame, symbolizing the ideals of achievement and recognition.

Cultural Significance: The Houses of Parliament in Victoria hold immense cultural significance as the seat of democratic governance and political discourse. It is where laws are debated, decisions are made, and the voices of Victorians are represented. The building's architectural splendor and historical significance contribute to its cultural value, making it an important symbol of civic pride and democratic ideals.

Visiting the Houses of Parliament provides a unique opportunity to witness democracy in action and appreciate the historical and cultural legacy of Victoria. From the grand chambers to the informative displays and artifacts, every aspect of the complex tells a story of governance, politics, and the power of collective decision-making. Immerse yourself in the halls of power, explore the architectural wonders, and gain a deeper understanding of Victoria's...

Parliament House of Victoria Review on 1/10/2024

The Victorian Parliament House is currently undergoing extensive renovations, a grand endeavor to restore the building’s historic fabric and enhance its functionality.

Instead of ascending the iconic steps at the front, our group of 22 was ushered through a side entrance. There, we underwent a meticulous security check before being whisked away by lift to the ground floor foyer.

Our guide, Justin, was a revelation. His vast knowledge and infectious humour brought the history and grandeur of this magnificent building to life.

The Victorian Parliament House is adorned with Victorian ash timber throughout its construction and furniture. The timber was sourced from the forests of Geelong, Victoria. This choice underscores a steadfast commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced materials.

Justin led us to the majestic Queen’s Hall, a space completed in 1879 and now used for receptions, functions, and exhibitions. The hall exudes an air of timeless elegance.

The Parliament of Victoria honours each Premier with a commissioned portrait after they leave political life, contributing to a distinguished collection that began in the late 20th century.

In the Queen’s Hall stands a striking marble statue of Queen Victoria, sculpted by the renowned English artist Marshall Wood and installed in 1883. The statue portrays Queen Victoria in ancient Roman dress, holding a sceptre and a wreath, symbols of victory and power.

The Legislative Assembly, often referred to as the Lower House, is one of the two houses of the Parliament of Victoria, the other being the Legislative Council. The chambers are richly carpeted in green and red, respectively.

The Assembly comprises 88 members elected from single-member electorates. Its primary roles are to debate and pass laws, represent the people, and hold the government accountable.

The Legislative Council, the upper house of the Parliament of Victoria, serves as a house of review. Its primary role is to scrutinise and amend legislation proposed by the Legislative Assembly. The Council consists of 40 members elected from 8 regions, with each region...

I recently visited Victoria’s Parliament House in Melbourne, and it was such a fantastic experience! Not only is it free, but the tour is also packed with history, beautiful architecture, and lots of opportunities for photos.

Here’s what my visit was like Just walk in, make sure you get there 30 minutes early to secure a spot (tours are first-come, first-served, with about 20 people per session).

The process was simple: I went through a security check Stored my bag in the designated area And showed my ID (electronic version worked perfectly).

⭐️Tour Highlights 1️⃣ Front Hall A grand entrance with a beautiful mosaic floor and high ceilings.

2️⃣ Queen’s Hall Bright and elegant with chandeliers and arched windows. There was even a Christmas tree when I visited, which made it extra special.

3️⃣ Legislative Assembly (Green Room) Sitting in the green seats where laws are debated was such a cool experience. Before leaving, you can stand at the front for a “speaker’s podium” photo—so fun!

4️⃣ Legislative Council (Red Room) The red and gold decor here was gorgeous, and the staff shared some great stories about its history.

5️⃣ Library My favorite spot! It looks like it’s straight out of Harry Potter, with its domed ceiling and sparkling chandeliers.

Staff there are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, making the entire experience so smooth and enjoyable.

This was hands down one of the best free experiences I’ve had in Melbourne.

If you’re in Melbourne, I highly recommend this public tour. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just looking for something fun and free to do, this...