The Northern Ireland Assembly Commission has launched a new permanent display of items and images in Parliament Buildings. The images and items on display reflect on a complex history, highlighting some of the significant events that have occurred over the years.
This page only has room for a snapshot of what you can see and there are 100 images and items on display in the Great Hall through to the Assembly and Senate Rotundas. Whether you are interested in the history of this building or our political process, we hope you enjoy this look at the life of Parliament Buildings from 1921 to the present day.
You do not need to be part of a tour to come to Parliament Buildings to view the displays. The building is open to the public from 9:00am to 4:00pm each weekday exluding public and bank holidays.
Caption: The opening of Parliament Buildings in 1932
The display is open to the public and includes portraits and images of major figures from all political perspectives and key events from the Northern Ireland Parliament and subsequent legislatures, from 1921 onwards.
A number of figures are being depicted in Parliament Buildings for the first time and a number of items owned by the Assembly Commission are being moved out of storage or non-public areas. The portraits of former First Ministers, deputy Speakers and Speakers have also been relocated to the Great Hall.
Around 100 different images and items are now on display in Parliament Buildings. These include key figures from the original Northern Ireland Parliament such as all six unionist Prime Ministers, nationalist and republican leaders and representatives from the smaller parties.
Portrait of James Craig, Lord Craigavon (1871-1940) First Prime Minister in the Northern Ireland Parliament.
Portrait of Arthur Griffith (1871-1922)
He was one of the founding members of Sinn Féin. He was elected in 1921 to the Northern Ireland House of Commons as the MP for Fermanagh and Tyrone.
Portrait of Dehra Chichester, nee Kerr Fisher (Later known as Dame Dehra Parker) (1882-1963). First female Cabinet Minister to be appointed in Northern Ireland in 1949.
Portrait of Michael Collins (1890-1922)
Elected in 1922 to the Northern Ireland House of Commons, representing Armagh.
Portrait of John Millar (JM) Andrews (1871-1956) Second Prime Minister of the Northern Ireland Parliament
Portrait of Joe Devlin (1871-1934)
Led the Irish Parliamentary Party between 1918-1921 and the Nationalist Party from 1928-1934. Elected to the Northern Ireland Parliament in 1921 for Belfast West.
11.00am and 2.00pm Monday through Friday (excluding Public and Bank holidays). Book your tickets using this link.
Directions, public transport options, and car parking to help you plan your visit to Parliament Buildings. Follow this link for more information.