Historischer Sitzungssaal

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The historic chamber in the Parliament building in Vienna is one of Austria’s most important political spaces. It is an architectural gem and a symbol of Austrian democratic history.

The chamber is part of the former Imperial Council building, which was constructed between 1874 and 1883 according to plans by Theophil von Hansen. Hansen deliberately based his design on the architecture of ancient Greece. The first parliamentary sessions took place here on December 4, 1883. Originally, the room was designed as the plenary hall of the House of Representatives of the Habsburg Monarchy for 512 representatives, making it one of the largest assembly halls in Europe at the time.

Architecturally, the hall is semicircular in shape, like an ancient theater. Mighty marble columns, statues of ancient statesmen, surrounding galleries, and lighting from above through artistically designed glass ceilings lend the room a solemn atmosphere.