Parliamentary Democracy

“Milestones – Setbacks – Sidetracks”

Commissioned by the German Parliament (Deutscher Bundestag), Archimedes has redesigned the area on “Parliamentary Democracy” in the exhibition “Milestones – Setbacks – Sidetracks” on German history at the Deutscher Dom in the heart of Berlin. In this new exhibition, historic exhibits, stagings and interactive media are combined to an attractive visitor experience.

The relevance to the reality of our lives is always at the centre of the exhibition. Why did the Federal Republic of Germany adopt a system of parliamentary democracy? What are the advantages of this form of government? How do proceedings in the Federal Parliament affect my life? How do politics affect me personally?

Highlight of the exhibition is the central cupola hall, where we installed a fully functional “Participatory Parliament”. With a federal parliamentary eagle, speaker’s desk, president’s seat and many more details, the plenary hall is a detailed replica of its original. Every Thursday that the German parliament is in session, visitors can participate in a roleplay “Plenary Session”. For 45 minutes, they play the part of a member of parliament, can actively debate proposed legislation and vote on bills.