Parliament Building
- Visit: about 1 h
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Why go
- Neo-Renaissance architecture in Bernese sandstone connects the building visually with the Old City.
- A Greek-cross domed hall with a free-standing staircase inspired by the Opéra Garnier.
- A dome rising 64 metres outside and 33 metres inside, its external height chosen to balance the three-building complex.
Don't miss
- Dome mosaicThe mosaic shows the federal coat of arms, the motto “Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno,” and the arms of the 22 cantons that existed in 1902.Domed hall
- Rütli oath sculptureJames Vibert’s sculpture shows Werner Stauffacher, Walter Fürst and Arnold von Melchtal swearing the Rütli oath.Central stairway
- Helvetia roof sculptureAuguste de Niederhäusern-Rodo’s Helvetia represents independence, flanked by the executive on her left and the legislature on her right.Roof edge
- GriffinsAnselmo Laurenti’s two griffins symbolize courage, wisdom and strength.Flanking the portico pediment
- TiloDesigned by Renée Levi and Marcel Schmid, this work honors Tilo Frey, the first Black National Councillor.
Know before you go
- During an open day, visitors can explore both council chambers, the domed hall and the Wandelhalle.
Tips for your visit
- The domed hall lies between the National Council chamber to the south and the Council of States chamber to the north.
- The visitor entrance is on the Bundesterrasse side.
With kids
- Family tours are designed for children aged 7–13, who can explore the building’s green-and-gold dome and role-play as politicians during the tour.
Interesting facts5
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30 stone
The building uses 30 stone types from 13 Swiss cantons and half-cantons, spanning geological formations up to one billion years old.
Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia (part 2) -
7.2 million
Artistic decoration accounted for 16.2% of the building’s original construction cost of 7.2 million francs.
Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia (part 2) -
38 Swiss
Architect Hans Wilhelm Auer selected most of the 38 Swiss artists who decorated the building and set detailed requirements for their work.
Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia (part 2) -
The building’s decoration depicts Swiss history, the foundations of the constitution and the activities of its inhabitants.
Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia (part 2) -
300 metres
The three-building Federal Palace complex extends just over 300 metres.
Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia
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History
The Federal Palace complex grew in stages after Bern became the federal city. Its west wing began in 1852, followed by the east wing and Hans Wilhelm Auer’s design for the central Parliament Building. The building opened in 1902. Earlier alterations blocked natural light in the domed hall. Restoration reopened its skylit windows, cleaned the walls and removed newer furnishings, restoring a bright interior. Renovation also uncovered vaulted cellars from the former Inselspital, once used to store resources that funded the hospital and patient care.
- 1848On 28 November, the Federal Assembly chose Bern as the federal city and seat of federal authorities.
- 1852Construction of the west wing began, designed by Jakob Friedrich Studer with help from Horace Édouard Davinet.
- 1888–1892The east wing was built.
- 1891The Federal Council selected Hans Wilhelm Auer’s design for the Parliament Building.
- 1894–1902Construction began on 5 September 1894, following the Confederation’s purchase of the former casino property. The building was formally handed over on 1 April 1902.
Show all
- 1993After restoration of the National Council Chamber, parliament held a session outside Bern for the first time, in Geneva.
- 2006A comprehensive renovation began in June, costing 103 million Swiss francs. Both councils held their autumn session in Flims during the most intensive work.
- 2008The restored Parliament Building was officially inaugurated on 21 November.
- 2009An information board installed in September commemorates a Jewish cemetery expropriated and sold in 1294 after Jews were expelled.
How to get there
- Cable carThe Marzili Funicular’s upper station is on the terrace between the Federal Palace’s west wing and the Bernerhof.
Sources: Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia · Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia (part… · Federal Palace of Switzerland - Wikipedia (part… · Schweizer Parlament - Startseite · Vereinigte Bundesversammlung · Delegationen internationaler parlamentarischer … · Bundeshaus (Bern) - Wikipedia · Palais fédéral - Wikipedia · Palazzo federale - Wikipedia · Familienführungen · checked 24 Sep 2026
- Website
- parl.ch/
- Phone
- +41 58 322 90 22
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