Exhibitions to put in your diary this autumn

Mint-60 (Royal Australian Mint)

As a celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the Royal Australian Mint, there is a display of never-before-seen objects from the national coin collection – including Roxie, who was Australia’s first coin packing robot. It’s on display until 12 May, so make sure you head in to check it out!

Paradise Won (National Portrait Gallery)

Are you a history and art fanatic? Then you’ll love Ryan Presley’s work Paradise Won, on display at the National Portrait Gallery. Presley has been developing this work since 2020, covering narratives and images based on lived events by the artist, friends, and community.

Positioned at the gallery entrance and on display until May 2025, make sure you go and view these masterpieces representing political and social issues with heroic First Nations figures engaging in acts of resistance, confrontation, and escape.

Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive selected by Mike Bowers (National Library of Australia)

Showcasing the best of Australian photojournalism, the National Library has invited renowned Australian photojournalist Mike Bowers to select some of his favourite images from the Fairfax Photo Archive.

Tracing the art of photojournalism from its infancy to the highly illustrated news stories you know so well today, the free exhibition explores how the pioneers of press photography in Australia developed their storytelling skills.

Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars (Canberra Museum and Gallery)

In celebration of 100 years of the Mount Stromlo Observatory, the Canberra Museum and Gallery are hosting the Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars exhibition. On display until 16 November, go and take part in the immersive digital interactions and listen to the histories of the observatory.

Discover the role the observatory played in WWII, explore First Nations astronomy with special installation ‘Djara’, and try your hand at ‘Guide Star’, a laser junk game developed specifically for this exhibition.

I AM A NEW WOMAN (Parliament House)

Within Parliament House is a masterpiece on display by Alison Alder: I AM A NEW WOMAN. These screen prints celebrate 12 women who campaigned for a more inclusive democracy, having been a part of a movement across Australia over decades for the cause of political citizenship.

These works which combine contemporary photography, quotations, and organisational affiliations are on display until 31 July.

Constellations (National Film and Sound Archive)

If you are a lover of Enlighten, you’ll love Robin Fox’s work Constellations. On display at the National Film and Sound Archive until 4 May, and in partnership with the Enlighten Festival, this exhibition has striking visuals, unique audio, and laser beams.

Counter-series (Manuka Arts Centre)

At Manuka Arts Centre until Saturday 5 April, you’ll find the work of seven artists in the Counter-series. This exhibition explores the relationship between photography and place, with themes of dismantling, dissecting and destabilising.

These works are focused on looking inwards of the medium itself and outwards on the policies of vision in the post-colonial, post digital moment, uprooting notions of situation, settlement, and landscape.

Mangroves – Tales from the Tide (Questacon)

Running until November, this exhibition at Questacon is one the whole family will enjoy. Sparking wonder and curiosity, you’ll explore the science behind the ecological importance, cultural history and intricate beauty of the mangroves in the Northern Territory’s Top End.

Presenting artwork from three textile artists, immersive multimedia, and First Nations stories to showcase the dynamic mangrove ecosystems, from handcrafted denim quilts to needle-felted creatures and time-lapse video, this exhibition highlights the vital role mangroves play in protecting our coastlines, storing carbon, and supporting diverse wildlife.