The Parliament Building
Overview
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Intro
On your guided tour of the Parliament House in Bern, you will enter the heart of Swiss democracy: The halls where the National Council and Council of States meet. You will get to know the building and the background to everyday political life and discover amazing things.
The The Parliament building at a glance
The parliament building on Bundesplatz in Bern is the seat of the parliament and government of Switzerland. Architect Hans Wilhelm Auer built it from 1894 to 1902 in the neo-Renaissance style, crowned by a dome about 60 meters high. 95 percent of the building materials come from Switzerland and represent the diversity of the country.
What to experience
Guided tour of the council chambers (45–60 minutes)
The guided tour takes you from the domed hall with the statue group "The Three Confederates" to the National and Council of States Chamber. The guides will tell you about the history of the building, the works of art and everyday life in the Parliament. In the Wandelhalle, you stand where council members and media people discuss politics.
- Good to know: While the councillors are working, there are no regular guided tours.
- Tip: You can book guided tours 3 days in advance on the Parliament's website.
Follow the parliamentary debate from the gallery
During the sessions, i.e. when the councils meet, you sit in the visitors' gallery and watch the council members at work. You hear how motions are discussed and laws are formed. Registered groups can even talk to a council member if they wish.
- Good to know: You can find the dates of the sessions on the Parliament's website.
Searching for the fish in the mural
A humourous story awaits you in the National Council chamber: Painter Charles Giron and architect Hans Wilhelm Auer argued about the mural. Giron's revenge for Auer's criticism is said to be hidden on a rocky outcrop: A trout. The picture was inaugurated on April 1 and April Fool's Day is called "poisson d'avril", April fish, in French.
- Good to know: The fish is small and hardly recognisable from a distance.
- Tip: Also look for the goddess of peace, who floats barely visible in the clouds.
General information
| Season |
All year
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| Accessibility |
Accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Bundeshaus
Bundesgasse 3
3005
Bern
Switzerland