Thursday 30 July 2009

Parliament House - Jubilee Room

Stained glass ceiling of the Jubilee Room.

The beautiful Jubilee Room is my favourite part of the old Parliament House building. It was originally built in 1903 to accommodate the Parliamentary Libary. Architecturally, the Library is a small version of the classic Edwardian reading room, with collections shelved from floor to ceiling, reached by two tiers of galleries running around all sides. On the floor stand the terrestrial and celestial globes which were acquired for the Libary in 1868 and 1871 respectiely; and the display cases hold various pieces from the Parliament House collection. It remained the Parliamentary Libary's main reading room and was the focus of its operations and services until 1980 when the Libary relocated to the new building erected behind the old Rum Hospital. The room was restored and is now used for committee meetings and other functions.


8 comments:

Julie said...

The SGW is terrific, Ann. You did not have any problems with permission to photograph?

Not many people around by the looks ...

Hilda said...

It really is such a handsome room and that ceiling is fantastic!

I have to look for a celestial globe — I've never seen one before and it looks very interesting.

Ann said...

Providing you clear the security scanning they are really relaxed when Parliament isn't sitting and can wander the public areas, including the Jubilee Room, if it isn't being used. You can also poke you head into both chambers (with an attendant) and if the attendant isn't busy he/she will give you a full history of the chamber. Its worth doing. They also run guided tours at regular times, I think. But if you happen to be in the vicinity just pop in and have a word to the attendant/s.

Julie said...

SGW = stained glass window!

Although I note that you call it a ceiling ... pedant!

Leif Hagen said...

Fabulous photos are a very regal room! The stained glass ceiling is outstanding!

Dina said...

Wow, this place is full of good stuff!
Stained glass above you, that's new to me!

Jim said...

The stained glass ceiling is amazing. It's been a while since I've visited so I don't remember that.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Paty said...

very beautiful place! this ceiling is fantastic, i love stained glass!