The parliament building and the adjacent Palais Epstein are central buildings of the Austrian Parliament and are among the Historicist gems of the Vienna Ringstraße. Both buildings stem from the plans of the architect Theophil Hansen at the end of the 19th century.
From 2021, after the completion of its renovation, the parliament building can be visited again. The architectural style is reminiscent of the Hellenistic ideals of freedom and the rule of law.
Until the end of the Austrian monarchy, the parliament building served for the assembly of the members of the Imperial Council (Reichsrat). Representatives of all the crown lands of the dual monarchy, from Galicia in today’s Poland to Dalmatia in today’s Croatia, came together here. In this sense, the materials from which the parliament building was constructed also come from all the represented crown lands. Since 1918, the National Council and Federal Council of the Austrian Republic have met here.
On tours of the 14,000 m² magnificent building with 1,600 rooms, the imposing columned hall in particular is a highlight. But the historic assembly chamber also has a fascinating effect on visitors. Because it is modelled on a Greek theatre and is therefore particularly impressive.
In front of the main entrance of the parliament, the famous Pallas Athena Fountain forms a popular photo motif. The Greek goddess Pallas Athena is the goddess of wisdom and is meant to represent the wisdom of state power.
Following a visit to the parliament, the guided tour „Demokratie.Macht.Orte“ at Heldenplatz is also worthwhile. This takes place from Monday to Saturday at 10:30 and 13:30 in German, and at 12:00 and 15:00 in English. The free tour discusses the development of Austrian parliamentarism. In doing so, the significance of Heldenplatz and surrounding places is included.
The Palais Epstein, too, as an extension of the parliament, offers public guided tours from Monday to Saturday at 10:30 and 13:30. In these, you learn about the history of this important Ringstraße palace in its function as the historic „Zinshaus“ (rental palace) and as today’s parliament building.
