20 Iconic Locations Where Inaugurations Have Taken Place

An inauguration is a big event that starts a new era in politics, culture, or institutions, and it takes place in famous locations, each with its deep past and meaning.

  • Tricia Quitales
  • 7 min read
20 Iconic Locations Where Inaugurations Have Taken Place
Brett Sayles on Pexels

Inauguration ceremonies are important parts of many historical events because they mark the start of a new era of leadership, change, or growth. Often, the places where these things happen are famous and have important cultural, political, or historical meanings. The places where inaugurations happen, from grand national cities to unique landmarks, show how important the event is. This piece talks about 20 famous places around the world that have been the sites of important inaugurations that have changed the course of history and continue to be symbols of power, unity, and change.

1. The White House, Washington D.C., USA

 Aaron Kittredge on Pexels Aaron Kittredge on Pexels

The White House is where the President of the United States lives and has been the site of every inauguration since Thomas Jefferson’s in 1801. This building, located in the middle of Washington, D.C., is a symbol of freedom and power in the United States. Millions of people worldwide watch these inauguration events, which show how power peacefully changes hands in the United States.

2. The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia

Дмитрий Трепольский on Pexels Дмитрий Трепольский on Pexels

Since the country’s founding, many presidents have been sworn in in Moscow, home to the Kremlin. For hundreds of years, this old group of forts has been the center of the Russian government, a powerful place for such an important event. These events are traditional for Russia and show its long political and cultural past.

3. Independence Hall, Philadelphia, USA

 Lavdrim Mustafi on Pexels Lavdrim Mustafi on Pexels

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776. This makes it one of the most historically significant places in the United States. It has also been the site of the swearing-in ceremonies for Pennsylvania’s rulers, which shows how committed the state is to freedom and good government. The spot stands for the ideas that made the United States possible.

4. The Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

lexi lauwers on Pexels lexi lauwers on Pexels

The Gardens and design of the Palace of Versailles make it a beautiful symbol of the French monarchy and history. It was once the site of the coronations of several French kings and the swearing-in of French leaders. Holding significant events here showed how much the country wanted fame and power, which made it a very symbolic place.

5. The National Mall, Washington D.C., USA

 Misael Consuelos on Pexels Misael Consuelos on Pexels

The Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol are on the National Mall, a large, open area in Washington, D.C. The Mall has been the site of many presidential inaugurations, including Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013, which drew millions of people. This spot is very important politically because it represents the center of American democracy.

6. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Janos Racz on Pexels Janos Racz on Pexels

In southern Spain, the Alhambra is an old palace and fortress structure that is a beautiful work of architecture and a very important historical site. Royal events have been held there, including the coronation of Spanish kings and queens. Because of its history and beauty, it is a moving place for inaugurations that honor Spain’s royal past.

7. The Reichstag Building, Berlin, Germany

Ingo Joseph on Pexels Ingo Joseph on Pexels

The Reichstag Building used to stand for Nazi power, but now, it represents Germany as a whole. Since Germany was brought back together, it has been the place where new chancellors have been sworn in. The modern glass roof on the Reichstag stands for freedom and openness in Germany’s current politics.

8. The Royal Palace, Oslo, Norway

Meri Verbina on Pexels Meri Verbina on Pexels

The Royal Palace is in the middle of Oslo, where Norway’s kings and queens live. It has seen Norwegian kings and queens crowned and sworn in, which is a sign of continuity and security. The neoclassical style of the palace and its royal past make these ceremonies even more important.

9. The United Nations Headquarters, New York City, USA

Afif Ramdhasuma on Pexels Afif Ramdhasuma on Pexels

The United Nations Headquarters is a famous place that hosts important international events, such as the swearing-in of the new UN Secretary-General. It’s a sign of peace and communication around the world. The event at this important location stresses how important it is for countries to work together to shape the future of the world.

10. The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

Nav Photography on Pexels Nav Photography on Pexels

The most important place in Sikhism is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. It has been the site of many important religious events. It’s a holy sign, but it’s also a peaceful place where people can come together. The temple is a great place for inaugurations because of its spiritual value and beautiful design.

11. St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City

 Valentin Onu on Pexels Valentin Onu on Pexels

The inauguration of the Pope takes place in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, which is the world’s center of the Catholic Church. The massive columns around the square make it a truly impressive spot for such an important event. People from all over the world come to see this rite, which is a spiritual event.

12. The Palace of Westminster, London, UK

Laura Chouette on Pexels Laura Chouette on Pexels

The coronations of British monarchs and the swearing-in of Prime Ministers take place at the Palace of Westminster, which is the center of the British government. This famous spot is full of British history and customs. Its beautiful building and important place in the country’s government make it a fitting place for such important events.

13. The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

 Josiah Lewis on Pexels Josiah Lewis on Pexels

The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is an icon of freedom and ancient Greek culture. Even though it isn’t often used for inaugurations, it has always been an important part of Greek government ceremonies. The old ruins signify how Greece has had a lasting impact on modern democratic ideas.

14. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

 Mahmut on Pexels Mahmut on Pexels

The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France. It is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and it has sometimes been used as a setting for important inaugurations. The tower is more of a symbol of France’s cultural history, but it has also been the site of political celebrations. The tower’s height makes these historical events even more important.

15. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

 Chait Goli on Pexels Chait Goli on Pexels

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is a reminder of how powerful and important the Romans were in the past. The spot hasn’t usually been used for inaugurations, but it has been the setting for important national events, such as celebrations of the Italian Republic. The Colosseum is a good choice to show Italy’s rich history because of its size and historical importance.

16. The Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

 Ben Mack on Pexels Ben Mack on Pexels

The Sydney Opera House is a famous example of modern Australian buildings and cultures worldwide. It has been the site of several important inaugurations, including those for national celebrations and new government leaders. The famous sails of the Opera House make it a one-of-a-kind and beautiful background for these kinds of events.

17. The Kremlin Walls, Moscow, Russia

Irina Balashova on Pexels Irina Balashova on Pexels

In addition to inaugurations and other important events in Russian history, the Kremlin Walls were also the site of these events. Along these walls, nations have come and gone, and Soviet leaders have been sworn in. They show how important Russia is in world politics and how powerful its past is.

18. The Grand Palais, Paris, France

Quentin Ecrepont on Pexels Quentin Ecrepont on Pexels

The Grand Palais in Paris is another famous building in France. It has been the site of many national events, such as the inaugurations of politicians. It’s an excellent place for such significant events because of its historical value and beautiful architecture. The palace is a sign of France’s dedication to growth and culture.

19. Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

yuyang zhang on Pexels yuyang zhang on Pexels

Tiananmen Square in Beijing is one of the world’s biggest public spaces. It has been the site of many political events, such as the swearing-in of new Chinese leaders. The square is a powerful symbol of China’s political strength and togetherness as a country. The fact that it is in the middle of China’s capital shows how powerful and important the Communist Party is.

20. The New Delhi Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, India

Maahid Photos on Pexels Maahid Photos on Pexels

Rashtrapati Bhavan is located in New Delhi and is the official home of India’s President and the site of presidential inaugurations. With its large courtyards and beautiful architecture, this grand building represents India’s democratic customs. The inauguration celebration here is a big deal because it marks the peaceful change of power in the biggest democracy in the world.

Written by: Tricia Quitales

Tricia is a recent college graduate whose true passion lies in writing—a hobby she’s cherished for years. Now a Content Writer at Illumeably, Tricia combines her love for storytelling with her fascination for personal growth. She’s all about continuous learning, taking risks, and using her words to connect with and inspire others.

Recommended for You

20 Times Presidential Inaugurations Reflected Cultural Shifts

20 Times Presidential Inaugurations Reflected Cultural Shifts

This piece talks about 20 times when inaugural ceremonies showed how American culture was changing, creating a unique place where politics and culture met.

20 Most Controversial Inaugurations in U.S. History

20 Most Controversial Inaugurations in U.S. History

These 20 presidential inaugurations reveal how a day meant for unity has often been marred by controversies and dramatic turning points in U.S. history.