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Art and Politics Tour

A person showing a portrait to a family of three
A person showing a portrait to a family of three

Overview

Come face to face with past Prime Ministers, Presidents of the Senate, and Speakers of the House of Representatives. See the historic artwork charting the history of Australia’s national Parliament on a guided tour of key works from the Historic Memorials Collection.

The collection is Australia's longest-running art commissioning program and is a unique record of the intersection of art and politics. Discover insights into Australia’s political leaders and artists and explore changes in the history of portraiture in Australia.

You will see well-known portraits, including Vincent Fantuzzo’s portrait of Julia Gillard, Ivor Hele's portrait of Robert Menzies, Clifton Pugh’s portrait of Gough Whitlam, and William Dargie's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

Bookings are essential.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor ratingBased on 3932 reviews

“📸Must-Visit in Canberra! This Building Will Leave You Speechless!”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 2w ago by YUANXIN X

Hey guys! When traveling to Australia, don't miss this hidden gem in Canberra—the Parliament House! Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a photography lover, this place is an...

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“Everybody should visit this magnificent building.”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 1mo ago by Tony W

Everybody should take the opportunity to visit this magnificent building. From the very impressive main entrance area, The Grand Hall, the House of Representatives and Senate chambers to the...

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“Very nice architecture”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 2mos ago by romanw871

Definitely worth of visiting. Very nice architecture, a lot if information and education about Australia political system and history. Please make sure you do not miss rooftop visit - nice views of...

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Tour Formats
  • On-site Experience
  • Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
  • Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
  • Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
  • Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person.
  • Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.

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