Heritage chandelier returns to Parliamentary Library
23 April 2025
After five years in storage a 19th century chandelier has returned to its pride of place, illuminating the Parliamentary Library’s central dome.
Almost 170 years old, this magnificent chandelier originally began its life as a gaselier, the largest of three that once hung in the Legislative Council chamber.
Following complaints about their smell, the three gaseliers were removed in 1912 and stored in pieces in wooden boxes.
Upon rediscovery the larger of the three chandeliers was converted to electricity and in 1929 it was hung centre stage in the library, silently bearing witness to the workings of parliament.
Over the decades numerous staff have maintained, cleaned and rewired it.
In 2020, with the commencement of building works above the dome in the east wing of Parliament House, the chandelier was removed and fully dismantled.
Consisting of over 50 structural pieces, 2000 crystals and an array of decorative elements, wires and connectors, parliamentary staff, engineers, lighting and conservation specialists researched the history, and repaired the chandelier.
And now the freshly cleaned and upgraded chandelier has been rehung under the dome.