As the home of politics and diplomacy in Australia, it’s no surprise Canberra knows a thing or two about subtlety. But ff you pay careful attention, Canberra offers some of Australia’s most striking architecture. Taken as a whole, it’s an eclectic mix of buildings that bring a unique personality to the city. Let’s take a closer look at some of Canberra’s most iconic buildings.

Parliament House

Opened in 1988 to replace its comparatively plain predecessor this building is a modernist marvel and serves as the meeting venue for the Parliament of Australia.

The structure boasts a boomerang-shaped layout and is crowned by an 81-metre-high flagpole. The building is deliberately designed to be built into the hill rather than on it, signifying the idea that the Parliament is of the people.

Its interiors, including the Marble Foyer and the Great Hall, are clad in timber, giving a warm, even youthful, experience to the building.

Australian War Memorial

A tribute to Australian soldiers who have died in wars, this landmark combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive.

Its Byzantine-inspired dome and the solemn Hall of Memory project permanence, serving to back up the intention of the site. The reflecting pool and the Roll of Honour add to profound ambience of the memorial.

The view from the Old Parliament House to the Australian War Memorial

National Museum of Australia

This relatively newer establishment, opened in 2001, narrates the story of Australia through interactive exhibits and displays.

The museum’s architecture is avant-garde. Its design includes a series of interconnected spaces that represent the idea of different stories and paths in Australia’s journey.

The looping ‘Uluru Line’ is one of its most recognised features.

Shine Dome

Home to the Australian Academy of Science, this building, constructed in 1959, stands as an epitome of innovative mid-20th-century architecture.

Aptly named for its dome-like structure, it was quite futuristic for its time. The dome, free from internal supports, was the first of its kind in Australia. Its unique design ensures natural light and ventilation abound.

High Court of Australia

As the supreme judicial court in the country, its building carries an air of authority and elegance worthy of its use.

Built in the brutalist style, it’s known for its massive scale and bold geometric forms. The contrasting facade blends concrete and huge panels of glass.

Imposing from outside, step inside to experience the building’s seven-story atrium. Windows provide cascades of natural light to deliver one of the court’s most captivating features.

National Library of Australia

As the largest reference library in Australia, its building is a fusion of elegance and functionality.

The library presents a mix of classical and modernist styles. The facade features tall, white columns that echo Greco-Roman designs, while the interiors are modern and purpose-built for research and reading.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a curious traveller, Canberra promises a visual and cerebral treat. With a few surprises for those paying attention.