On 10 April 2009, ABC Radio National’s Peter Mares from The National Interest took a tour through what will become the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, reflecting on the changing nature of our democracy with the key people involved in developing the new museum.
The National Interest asks, how much do we know about the early foundations of democracy in Mesopotamia and ancient Greece and how did the political system develop and weave its way Down Under? How willing are we to sign petitions, to lobby, to take to the streets and protest, to write a letter of complaint? Do we take for granted the democratic freedoms awarded…
During our redevelopment as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, we are inviting visitors to help create Old Parliament House’s exciting new visitor experience as part of an exclusive online community. As we recently announced, on 18 February, 2009, Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner announced that Old Parliament House will become the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House on 9 May 2009. This exciting redevelopment will enhance the role of the House in interpreting Australia’s history and democratic traditions.
The Museum will be the first in Australia dedicated to telling the story of our…
On 18 February, 2009, Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner announced that Australia’s much loved heritage-listed landmark, Old Parliament House, will become the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Scheduled to open on 9 May 2009, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House will be Australia’s first museum dedicated to telling the story of our democracy and aims to encourage Australians to understand and participate in our democracy. Visitors will be able to celebrate, debate and experience the past, present and future of Australian democracy.
“We’re excited to reveal that the Museum of Australian…
Update: The Minister for the Environment approved the referral in December 2008 and work on the refurbishment is now underway. Old Parliament House sought comment on the Referral for the proposed South-East (House of Representatives) Wing Refurbishment for the purpose of accommodating the Australian Prime Ministers Centre.
The proposed refurbishment has been determined a ‘controlled action’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on the basis that the action is likely to have significant impact on the following matters protected by the EPBC Act:
Regular visitors to Old Parliament House, or those who once worked in this building, may remember the large terracotta panel known as The Greek Mother. It once sat outside the Parliamentary Library and has also resided in King’s Hall. This wonderful sculpture will form part of our new permanent exhibition located in the Parliamentary Library.
The Greek Mother is by the artist George Tinworth (1843-1913) and was produced in 1904-06. It is an unglazed terracotta panel mounted in a glazed walnut case, with an inscription which reads, The Greek Mother giving the shield to her son with the words ‘Either bring this shield back or be bought back…
Old Parliament House is undergoing a major redevelopment due to open in May 2009. With a range of dynamic interactive tools, the exhibition experience at Old Parliament House will utilise cutting edge technology to engage and challenge visitors.
The redevelopment will provide new experiential learning opportunities for students. General Manager, Kate Cowie, “New education programs will encourage students to question what democracy is, where it came from and what it means to them. We are particularly excited about the interactive decision-making technology. Students will be able to engage with the process of political decision-making and see how…
Old Parliament House is proposing to refurbish the South-East (House of Representatives) Wing to accommodate the Australian Prime Ministers Centre, a facility for Fellows and accommodation for staff.
The proposed refurbishment has been determined as being a ‘controlled action’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), on the basis that the action is likely to have significant impact on the following matters protected by the EPBC Act:
National Heritage places (section 15B and 15C)
Commonwealth land (section 26 and 27A)
Commonwealth action (section 28)
The South-East Wing of Old Parliament House—the side of the building closest to the National Archives building—is being refurbished as an important component of the major redevelopment and permanent Australian Prime Ministers Centre (APMC) and Fellows facility.
The refurbishment will also improve the suitability of this part of the building for education, public assembly and staff accommodation. It’s due for completion in March 2009. These works and modifications for adaptive re-use are all aimed at enhancing the Old Parliament House experience.
We’re currently in the middle of a period of heritage assessments for some parts of the project,…
Local Canberra production company, Eye Candy Animation has collected multiple award wins at the 2008 WorldFest Houston International Film Festival for its OPH television commercials. Old Parliament House television ads won three awards at the WorldFest International Film Festival in Houston. EyeCandy Animation was awarded three of the highest category based awards in relation to the OPH ads in the following categories:
Platinum REMI award in the ‘series/campaign’ category for all four Old Parliament House animated television commercials;
second Platinum REMI award for the “Discover what’s inside” (current brand ad) commercial in the ‘institu…
