2013 20c 25th Anniversary of Parliament House PNC

In 2013, Canberra's centenary year, Australia's Parliament House marks its 25th anniversary. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 9 May 1988, this architecturally and symbolically significant building is at the heart of our parliamentary democracy. Following an international design competition, New York-based Mitchell/Gurgola & Thorp was awarded the commission on 26 June 1980. Constructed mostly of Australian materials, the building covers 250,000 square meters on a landscaped 32-hectare site. It houses more than 5,000 people during sitting times and is home to an impressive art collection.