The heart of Austrian democracy shines in new splendour. Everything you need to know about Parliament can be found here in the large “Krone” overview. And those who would like to see the new parliament for themselves now have the chance: we are giving away 50 x 2 guided tours including a consumption voucher. Read here how you can participate and win!
Plenary Hall
The National Council meets here. The chairs of the MPs are now barrier-free and equipped with computer connections and monitors. Viewers can take a seat in the “Plenarium” – directly under the glass dome with a diameter of 28 m and an area of 550 m2.
“Democracy” & security
Heavy steel gates secure the entrance to the High House. Their faces are scanned so that MPs have quick access. The “Demokratiekum” awaits visitors, where 27 interactive media stations convey knowledge about democracy.
Gastronomy in the High House
Named after the creator of the Austrian Federal Constitution, the Kelsen restaurant is enthroned on the newly developed top floor above the colonnaded hall. A total of 800 m2 of catering space – spread over the building – is accessible to members of parliament, employees and visitors.
Historic boardroom
The official opening of parliament took place here on Thursday. It is reserved for sessions of the Federal Assembly, such as celebratory and memorial gatherings. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen will be sworn in here on 26 January.
Works of art for 1.8 million euros
Hans-Peter Wipplinger, director of the Leopold Museum, is the curator of art in the new parliament. The works come from Austrian artists and cost a total of 1.8 million euros. Eye-catchers are the mirror sculptures by media and object artist Eva Schlegel.
The statue of Pallas Athena
The Goddess of Wisdom stands in front of the main entrance of the House of Lords on Vienna’s Ringstrasse. It was also renovated and re-gilded.
- 352.2 million euros + 20% reserve were estimated for the conversion in 2014, plus 51.4 million euros for the alternative quarters. The final settlement is expected at the end of 2023.
- 500 chandeliers, 600 doors, 740 windows had to be replaced or repaired during the conversion.
- Total were 55,000 m2 “net floor area” renovated and Boden of 40,000 m2 laid (again) with new technical installations.
history and stories
Theophil von Hansen not only designed the parliament, but also the music club, where the New Year’s concert takes place.
Eight nations, eleven native languages, 17 crown countries, more than 30 parties and groups – this is how the House of Representatives presented itself in the monarchy, the world’s first multinational parliament. Nevertheless, the negotiations were only conducted in German. After the “annexation” of Austria to the German Reich, the Reichskommissar chose the parliament building as his official seat, later it became the Gauhaus of the NSDAP. In February 1945 it was hit by aerial bombs and the building was largely destroyed.
During the current renovation, the old copper roof was partially removed, 1.8 tons of copper were melted down and minted into “democratic coins”.
Participate and win!
The “Krone” raffled off 50 x 2 tours of the new parliament including 50 consumption vouchers worth 70 euros each, to be exchanged in one of the 4 restaurants in the parliament. Simply select the desired date in the form below and you can participate. Tour dates: Wednesday January 18, 5:45 pm, Thursday January 19, 5:45 pm You can participate until Monday January 16, 12 noon.
Here’s the lottery:
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
