High Court of Australia, Canberra

The High Court of Australia stands as the nation’s most important judicial institution and a striking landmark within the Parliamentary Triangle. Opened in 1980, the building was designed by architects Christopher Kringas, Colin Madigan, and Feiko Bouman, whose modernist vision emphasized both authority and accessibility. Its soaring glass façade and bold geometric forms reflect the ideals of transparency and justice, while its position alongside the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery makes it part of a prominent cultural and civic precinct.

Inside, visitors can appreciate the impressive scale of the public spaces, with high ceilings, sweeping staircases, and expansive windows that fill the interiors with natural light. The courtrooms themselves are a study in formality and restraint, each designed to balance solemnity with clarity of purpose. Courtroom One, where constitutional cases are heard, is particularly notable for its grandeur and symbolic importance. Beyond its role in shaping Australian law, the High Court is also admired as an architectural achievement and is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage Register.

Tourists are welcome to explore the building, which often hosts exhibitions on the history of the Court and the Australian legal system. Visitors can view the courtrooms when they are not in use, gaining insight into the country’s highest level of justice. With its combination of monumental design, cultural significance, and accessibility, the High Court of Australia offers a compelling experience that blends architecture, history, and civic life at the heart of the nation’s capital.