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House of Parliament: Construction work on the House of Parliament (the west wing of today's House of Parliament) started as early as 1852. In 1884 the east wing, mirroring the west wing, was added and in 1902 the whole thing was finally extended into a building complex consisting of three parts. All in all 38 artists from throughout Switzerland are responsible for the decorations featured on the House of Parliament.
The House of Parliament are the seat of the Swiss government (Federal Council) and the parliament (National Council and Council of States). The parliament building was completed in 1902. The central domed hall and both chambers feature numerous symbolic renderings of Swiss history.
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Parliament square: The new look Parliament square was inaugurated on 31 July and 1 August 2004 (Swiss National Day). Since 3 August 2004 the square hosts traditional markets rather than providing parking spaces for cars as it used to.
The Parliament square is one of Switzerland's most symbolically meaningful places and is in future to take on the role of a visiting card for the confederation. A natural stone rectangle positioned in relation to the House of Parliament dominates the square. Thanks to a gently arched band of light which optically links Bärenplatz and the House of Parliament and the new lighting illuminating the square, new accents are introduced at night time in particular as well.
The new water display with a total of 26 fountains representing the cantons located right in front of the House of Parliament has proved particularly attractive. The Parliament square is in future to become a pulsating square in the heart of Bern. Events attract the public and bring visitors to the square.
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