Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Austrian Parlament is Kind of a BIG Deal

Built using the architecture style from Greece, the home of Democracy.

Fountain

More fountain.
State out front. Athena, Goddess of Wisdom


Columned Corridor.

The National Council chamber was damaged during World War II and was remodeled in 50's architecture. Definitely does not give off the same vibe as the rest of the Parliament building. Currently 183 members.

The Federal Chamber. Currently 62 members from the 9 states of Austria.

The Federal Assembly Chamber. Consists of the members from both National and Federal Council. This chamber is rarely used, typically for ceremonies or inauguration of Austrian President.

145 seats.

All original.

All original.


The Austrian Parliament building was built between the years of 1874 and 1883 by a Theovil Hansen with the whole building (interior and exterior) being built in Greek revival style (an architectural movement in the 18th and 19th centuries). The building was funded by the Emperor Franz Joseph. The Parliament building is home to the two current Austrian councils, the National and Federal councils. The councils have much more power today then they did back in the old Austrian Empire. During the Empire, the councils would propose laws and the Emperor would have the final say as to whether or not the law would pass. Today, the councils assume full responsibility for law making where the National Council proposes the laws and the Federal Council has the final vote of whether or not the law passes.

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