political history". Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House The building re-opened in 2009 as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, an executive agency of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Its role is to celebrate democracy and Australia's political history. The Australian Prime Ministers Centre was the first stage of the Museum of Australian Democracy. It "supports research into the history, origins and traditions of Australian democracy, with a particular focus on Australian prime ministers." The Centre offers fellowships to "established researchers and artists interested in the history, origins, traditions and contemporary practice of Australian democracy, with special reference to Australian prime ministers". After funding cuts, the Australian Prime Ministers Centre transferred to an online-only presence in 2016. Interim National Portrait Gallery The Library of the Parliament House was opened as the interim National Portrait Gallery, before it moved to a new building in 2009. Arson attacks The building was set alight twice during protests staged by so-called "Sovereign Citizens", a type of alt-right fringe movement that rejects elected officials and law enforcement, including the courts. The protesters had tried to infiltrate the Aboriginal Tent Embassy group. Ngunnawal elder Matilda House-Williams, who was present when the site was established in 1972, condemned the fire and said the protest did not represent the embassy or the Indigneous people of Canberra. On 21 December 2021, the front doors were scorched by a fire whose cause was originally thought to be accidental or intentional lighting by protesters. Nine days later, the doors, portico, and façade were all substantially damaged by a larger fire, which was intentionally lit. , repairs were under way at an expected cost of more than $4 million. Some of those responsible were charged. Engineering heritage award Both the old and new Parliament House received an Engineering Heritage National Marker from Engineers Australia as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program. Gallery See also Commonwealth Heritage List Parliament House, Canberra References Notes Attribution Bibliography External links Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House The Parliament of Australia National Trust of Australia (ACT) Parliament of Australia Commonwealth Government agencies of Australia Legislative buildings in Australia Museums in Canberra 1927 establishments in Australia Government buildings completed in 1927 Australian National Heritage List Commonwealth Heritage List places in the Australian Capital Territory Neoclassical architecture in Australia Former seats of national legislatures History museums in Australia