What is Old Parliament House in Canberra?
Old Parliament House is the building where Australia's federal Parliament met from 1927 to 1988. It now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy.
The white building was meant to be temporary, so it was called the provisional Parliament House. It was used for more than 60 years until the new Parliament House opened on Capital Hill.
Many historic events took place there, including debates during the Second World War. On 11 November 1975, after Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, Whitlam spoke to crowds on its front steps.
Museum of Australian Democracy
The museum opened in 2009. Visitors can explore the old chambers, the Prime Minister's office and exhibitions about voting, protest and democracy.
Opposite the building, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy has stood since 1972. It is a protest site for Aboriginal sovereignty and land rights.
The building's rose gardens are popular for walking.
Many prime ministers, from Stanley Bruce to Bob Hawke, led governments from the building. Its interiors have been restored to show how they looked in different decades.
Did You Know?
Whitlam's famous words on the steps began, Well may we say God save the Queen.