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The foyerOnce inside the entrance, visitors come into a small foyer dominated by the main staircase. They are welcomed by two bronze bears, symbols of the federal capital, standing in front of the two pillars that support the ceiling of the foyer; each animal is holding a shield bearing the coat-of-arms of the Confederation. 
The glass domeThe Swiss cross is set in the centre of the dome, surrounded by the coats-of-arms of the first 22 cantons. The way the mosaic is arranged, with the cantons converging to form the federal state, symbolises the Swiss political system, as does the inscription “Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno”. 
The three ConfederatesThis imposing monument represents the three legendary founding fathers of the original Confederation, Werner Stauffacher, Walter Fürst and Arnold von Melchtal, who swore an oath in 1291 on the famous Rütli meadow on the shores of Lake Lucerne. 
Nicolas de FlüeThe hermit Nicolas de Flüe (1417-1487) embodies the spirit of compromise and pacifism that is characteristic of Switzerland. He went down in history for succeeding in reconciling the confederates at Stans in 1481 and was canonised in 1947. 
Arnold WinkelriedThis legendary hero is said to have sacrificed his life to enable the confederates to win the battle of Sempach against the Austrians in 1386. He symbolises commitment and solidarity.
The four lansquenetsThe lansquenets (mercenaries) symbolise the four national languages. They represent from left to right: the Italian-speaking Tessin, the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the Romansch-speaking area and the French-speaking part. 
The Swiss crossOn 2 September 1848, the national assembly of the day promulgated the new federal constitution, which had been approved by fifteen and a half cantons out of twenty-two. In October 1848, the voters and the cantonal parliaments elected the National Council and the Council of States, which subsequently met in November that year to elect the first seven Federal Councillors. 
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