HomeArticles > An inside look into arts and culture in Canberra
Guests viewing artwork at the Gallery of Small Things.

An inside look into arts and culture in Canberra

Updated 28 Mar 2024

Discover the more than rich and diverse arts and culture scene of Canberra, where creativity knows no bounds

Explore below the surface of Canberra’s arts and culture scene where national attractions and blockbuster exhibitions spark curiosity, while local storytellers and community galleries leave you inspired and fulfilled.

In a city packed with cultural institutions and exhibitions, some the largest of their kind in the world, you’d be forgiven (kind of) for forgetting the smaller guys. But you’d be missing out. From a laundry-sized gallery set in a flourishing suburban garden to glassblowing workshops, and tours of significant Ngunnawal sites by Tradition Custodians, culture comes in all shapes and sizes in this city.

Canberra. There's more than they're telling us. 

Hands move around small blue, pink, and white ceramic dishes at the Gallery of Small Things

Uncover Canberra's art scene, local history, and heritage sites

Take time to explore the art galleries like the Gallery of Small Things nestled throughout the suburbs. You'll find local galleries that specialise in everything from photography to screen printing. With exhibitions regularly changing, there's always something new to see. 

From immersive heritage trails to intimate galleries where you can see the makers in action, discovering Canberra's history and creative community is a must on any trip to the capital.

Meet the makers

Not your average market, each week at the Old Bus Depot Markets, you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives.

Group sitting down participating in a weaving activity

Immerse yourself in indigenous art and storytelling

Reconnect with the land and learn about First Nations’ culture with Dhawura Tours and Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. If you're visiting our iconic national attractions, make sure to go on the  Ngala tours at the National Arboretum Canberra or the Yeribee Tour at the Australian Parliament House.

Take something special home with you from Art Mark Gallery in Red Hill, specialising in high quality ethically sourced Aboriginal art and design.

Image by Martin Ollman. 

Get involved in a glassblowing workshop

Canberra Glassworks is housed in the historic Kingston Power House and is the only one of its kind in the nation.

Visit the hot shop to see glass artists in action before seeing masterpieces in the gallery and shop or try your hand at making a glass tumbler or paperweight at an interactive workshop.

Historic sites 

A city with a rich heritage, Canberra’s local history is on show at more than just museums.

Take a self-drive tour of historic sights, visit original cottages and homes, and see the city plans come to life with augmented reality.

Where every performance, exhibition, and installation tells a unique story...

A gallery entryway with a wall of paintings and signage that reads 'Emily Kam Kngwarray'
2 Dec 2023 – 28 Apr 2024

Emily Kam Kngwarray

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Detail of scroll depicting four Egyptian  figures with hieroglyphics running along the top section
15 Dec 2023 – 8 Sep 2024

Discovering Ancient Egypt

National Museum of Australia, Acton
Next on today
Vincent Namatjira in his studio in front of paintings
2 Mar – 21 Jul 2024

Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
tour guide with tour group looking at cartoon images on a wall
13 Dec 2023 – 30 Nov 2024

Behind the Lines

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
MoAD’s Truth Power and a Free Press exhibition entry with three visitors looking at displays
3 May 2022 – 3 May 2024

Truth, Power and a Free Press

Museum of Australian Democracy, Parkes
Next on today
Watercolour artwork of a Chequered Cuckoo Bee (Thyreus caeruleopunctatus)
29 Feb – 1 Apr 2024

A Charm of Native Bees Exhibition Cheryl Hodges

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Next on tomorrow from 9:30am to 4:30pm
A painted portrait of Queen Mary of Denmark, wearing a brown skirt and shirt, looking out a window.
15 Mar – 27 May 2024

Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence.

National Portrait Gallery, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Plate, The Australian War Memoial  c. 1965 Dish, Lake Burley Griffin Canberra ACT 1964 – 1970
5 Jan – 23 Dec 2024

Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People

Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra City
Next on tomorrow from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
image of AI generated art part of the Friend or Foe
24 Jan 2024 – 23 Jan 2025

Friend or Foe – The Rise of Artificial Intelligence Exhibition

Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes
Next on tomorrow from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Exhibition Tuggeranong Arts Centre
5 Apr – 8 Jun 2024

I Know My Age and I Act Like It Exhibition

Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway
Next on 5 Apr 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Keep in touch

Be among the first to discover the latest and greatest things to see and do, taste and try, explore and experience in Canberra by signing up to our newsletter.

All fields marked with * are required

Featured

Accommodation deals

Special Offer
$221

Emily Kam Kngwarray Package @ Pavilion on Northbourne

Dickson
From $221 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$337.91

Couple's Package - One Bedroom Apartment @ Deco Hotel Canberra

Braddon
From $337.91 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$194

Fall into Winter Package - King Studio @ Abode Belconnen

Belconnen
From $194 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$184

Fall into Winter Package - Studio Room @ Abode Gungahlin

Gungahlin
From $184 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$253

Fall into Winter Package - One Bedroom Apartment @ Abode Tuggeranong

Tuggeranong
From $253 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$247

Standard Room with Buffet Breakfast @ Mercure Canberra

Braddon
From $247 (inc. GST)
Book Now