Canberra’s parliament building is not your traditional marble and granite neoclassical edifice perched on a hill. Instead it is a modern building dating back only to 1988 which is tucked into a hillside with a huge spacey flagpole rising from its center. We enjoyed a guided tour of the halls and chambers. Unfortunately, parliament is not currently sitting so we were unable to witness any of the famous interparty squabbling.
We also toured the National Art Gallery, but it was a bit disappointing. We didn’t have the time or inclination to see the special Degas exhibit but instead concentrated on the permanent collection. The best part was the South Asian pieces, for which I have a special fondness. The rest was unremarkable.
The National Museum of Australia on the other hand was excellent. It’s a historical/sociological/environmental museum in a funky modern building. Very interesting exhibits presented in varied, entertaining, tech-savvy ways. And it’s free!
We also enjoyed the War Memorial, which is part that – a memorial – and part museum. It depicts the Australian contribution to World Wars I and II in particular, and honors the Australian soldiers who lost their lives in those conflicts. We had a guided tour and it was good to get an Australian perspective on the great wars. The tour guide griped a bit about how Hollywood war movies tend to recast events to give the Americans all the credit and make them look like the only heroes. If it’s rated PG, he said, it stands for Propaganda Garbage.
The Old Parliament House served its function from 1927-1988 and is now primarily a museum.
The new Parliament House.
The 265 foot flagpole
Senate chambers. This is where the magic happens...
View from the Parliament House grass-covered roof. In the mid-distance is the white Old Parliament House. In the distance beyond is the War Memorial.
View of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum of Australia (modern building at left with red sections), and in foreground an embassy compound (Thailand?)
The War Memorial
List of names of the fallen. People put poppies next to loved ones.
You know Australia had a great many Irish immigrants. Lots of Flynns on these walls.
Many full-size, actual, real deal war machines on display.
The screen behind periodically shows a Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings) directed WWI dogfight film with surround sound.