Brussels / Belgium: New Visitor Centre Opened at European Parliament

“Parlamentarium” is the name of the new European Parliament visitor centre that was opened in October. According to its own account it is “the largest parliamentary visitor centre in Europe and the first to be fully operational in 23 languages”. Stuttgart, Germany’s architects from Atelier Brückner was responsible for the general planning and concept design of the new permanent exhibition which covers an area of 2,890 square meters. Visitors of all ages gain an insight into the work and the nature of the European Parliament and the European Union. Many interactive and multimedia exhibits like the 360 degree projection of the Plenary Chamber or the 200 square meter large 3-D map of Europe with over 90 interactive points will show visitors, for example, how decisions are taken in the Parliament or what contributions the EU has made to each of its member states so far. A total sum of about 21 million Euros has been invested in the project which expects to welcome 450,000 visitors each year. (eap)