The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House will trace the ancient concept of democracy from its earliest beginnings up to the present day.
In addition to an enhanced experience throughout the House, three exciting new permanent exhibitions will open within the former Parliamentary Library and adjacent spaces, as well as a new fun family-friendly space perfect for children.
Visitors will be inspired to celebrate, debate and experience the past, present and future of democracy.
Permanent exhibitions include:
Australian Democracy: more than 2000 years in the making
In Australian Democracy–more than 2000 years in the making, visitors begin a breathtaking journey across time and around the world, placing Australia’s democracy in its historical and geographical context. Through objects and stories, they can discover how vibrant and innovative, as well as how controversial, our road to democracy has been. A central interactive exhibit offers the visitor a visual and intellectual feast of our democratic milestones.
Living Democracy: the power of the people
Living Democracy: the power of the people offers insights into how Australians can participate in the running of their country. The exhibit asks: are you the one who’s going to stand up and be counted? The exhibition features organisations such as GetUp!, the Farmers Federation, politically active schools such as Shenton College in Perth and reflections from everyday Australians about what democracy means to them.
Prime Ministers of Australia
The popular Prime Ministers of Australia Exhibition is now in its permanent home within the exhibition precinct behind King’s Hall. Here, visitors are able to explore what leadership means in an Australian democracy. The story of Australia’s prime ministers and their governments is also told through our research-focussed Australian Prime Minsters Centre, located on the main floor of the South East Wing of Old Parliament House.
Hands on Democracy—Make:Play
Hands on Democracy encourages children and their families to connect the concept of democracy to real experiences that relate to their world. This exhibition asks questions, inspires creativity, invites you to join in, take turns, share your ideas and listen to others. There are two areas of Hands on Democracy to explore - Play:Act:Be—History and Heritage and Make:Say:Do—Activity and Discovery.
Image credit
George Washington writing set and inkstand. The first President of the United States George Washington’s writing set and inkstand which he used to pen some of his most famous speeches. These objects are on loan from the Mount Vernon Estate in Washington and have never before been seen outside of America.