Culture and Experiences

Canberra’s museums, galleries and institutions showcase diverse aspects of our story through architecture, exhibitions, and collections.

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Capital Hill, Canberra Architecturally acclaimed throughout the world, Australian Parliament House tells Australia’s story through its interiors, architecture, and commissioned works of art. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, enjoy the contemporary art collection or take part in a guided tour. Watch Parliament live during sitting weeks and visit public galleries during Question Time. Free admission

Credit: VisitCanberra

MOAD – MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY

Old Parliament House, Canberra Be surprised at what’s inside. Through authentically restored heritage areas, contemporary exhibitions, political cartoons and interactive family activities, MoAD tells the story of Australia’s journey to becoming a democratic nation and how we can all shape its future. Step back in time in the restored Prime Minister’s Suite or sit in the House of Representatives Chamber. Learn about the connection between free press and democracy in the Truth, Power and a Free Press exhibition or wander the halls enjoying the humorous side of politics through political cartoons. Free admission

Credit: Ashley St George

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

Treloar Crescent, Campbell Visitors, groups and events continue to be welcomed at the Australian War Memorial while works are underway to modernise and expand its galleries. Learn about Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping involvement. See significant military objects and explore the many permanent exhibitions such as the First and Second World War Galleries, Aircraft Hall, the Hall of Valour and more. Visit the Hall of Memory and place a poppy on the Roll of Honour. Stay for the Last Post closing ceremony every evening and learn the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour. Free admission (bookings required)

NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA

Forest Drive, Weston Creek For an experience hard to find anywhere else, take in the stunning panoramic views of the city and region from the Arboretum. Enjoy 94 forests of rare, endangered, and symbolic trees from Australia and the world. Walk, drive or cycle around the 250-hectare site. Take a free guided or self-guided tour, visit the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, take part in an immersive Indigenous tour or experience with Ngala Tours, and enjoy lunch from the Village Centre with views stretching over Canberra. Free admission

Credit: National Archives of Australia

NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE OF AUSTRALIA

McCoy Circuit, Acton Explore one of Canberra’s most beautiful art deco buildings, dating to 1930, and now housing the National Film and Sound Archive. Catch a glimpse of the past with Australian film and radio. Watch a film at Arc Cinema, enjoy vintage music, radio and television at The Front Room, take in a curated exhibition like 2022’s Australians & Hollywood or attend free presentations and performances in the award-winning Theatrette. Free admission

Credit: VisitCanberra

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA

King George Terrace, Parkes Permanently housed in the beautiful heritage building that was Canberra’s original General Post Office, the National Archives provide access to exhibitions and programs exploring the Australian story. With over 40 million records in the collection, it is the storehouse of key events and decisions that have shaped Australian history. Australia’s Constitution and other founding documents are on display, including the recently released Kerr Palace Letters. Free admission

Credit: National Gallery of Australia

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA

Parkes Place, Parkes Visit the Treasures Gallery and see beautiful and rare gems from the Library’s extensive collection. Enjoy the calendar of new exhibitions exploring an aspect of the Australian story, or join one of the engaging programs of events or free behind-the-scenes guided tours. Free admission

NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

Parkes Place, Parkes Visit the home of Australia’s National Art collection, with more than 165,000 works that include the nation’s largest collection of Indigenous Australian art. Art lovers will enjoy meandering through the galleries and admiring the collection, which includes the famous ‘Blue Poles’ by Jackson Pollock and the Ned Kelly series by Sidney Nolan. Visit the 2022 exhibitions: • Jeffrey Smart • Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to

Now Part 2 • 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony Free general admission

Credit: National Library of Australia

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula The National Museum of Australia explores the country’s rich history and culture, and the land and people who have shaped our stories. See the nation’s most popular and significant objects, including Indigenous artefacts dating back 65,000 years, items from the 19th-century property ‘Springfield’, Phar Lap’s heart, and the Holden Prototype No.1. Visit the new Great Southern Land gallery and explore Australia’s fundamental deep connections to the land. Discover Ancient Greece with the recently launched major exhibition Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes, hailing from the British Museum and running until May 2022. Free general admission

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

King Edward Terrace, Parkes A true national treasure, come and meet familiar contemporary faces and a few from the past. Bushrangers and judges, prime ministers and pop icons, they can all be found looking back at you from the gallery walls. The Gallery hosts exciting exhibitions and events, such as 2022’s Shakespeare to Winehouse: Icons from the National Portrait Gallery, London, as well as offering a suite of interactive virtual programs. Free admission

Credit: Questacon

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT

Denison Street, Deakin Watch money being made right before your eyes. From the viewing deck, watch coins being made on the factory floor. As part of a free tour, learn about the production process and make yourself a coin. Discover Australia’s National Coin Collection, with many rare and valuable coins on display. Free admission

Credit: VisitCanberra

QUESTACON – THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

King Edward Terrace, Parkes Travel from the centre of an earthquake all the way to outer space. Questacon offers interactive and hands-on science with themed galleries and loads of fun and educational exhibits. Uncover the mysteries of science, watch live demonstrations, and explore how science shapes our world with Questacon’s engaging science communicators. Admission charge