Must-see exhibitions on now
Updated 28 May 2026
If you love celebrating blockbuster exhibitions featuring international artists, this one's for you.
If you love blockbuster exhibitions and world-class artists, Canberra’s cultural scene has something for you. From powerful First Nations storytelling to rare historical artefacts, these free, current and upcoming exhibitions invite you to explore creativity, history and identity through remarkable works.
Antarctica – National Museum of Australia
Step into the extreme and awe-inspiring world of Antarctica at the National Museum of Australia. This immersive exhibition shares first-hand accounts spanning over 100 years of Australian presence in Antarctica from early explorers to modern-day researchers at Mawson and Macquarie Island.
Discover rare and significant objects from one of the world’s largest Antarctic collections, many on public display for the first time since their acquisition from the Australian Antarctic Division.
Free exhibition
Open from 1 July to 11 October 2026.
Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country – National Gallery of Australia
Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country at the National Gallery of Australia celebrates the work of senior First Nations artists and collectives from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Coober Pedy and Tarntanya/Adelaide, in South Australia. These ambitious works depict Country while celebrating the powerful Tjukurpa (Aṉangu law/cultural stories) that lies within.
An epic project both in scale and scope, the creation of large-scale paintings reinforces artists' connection to Country. Through stories and distinctive designs, they continue to strengthen their cultural knowledge, and knowledge of their homelands.
Free exhibition
Open until 23 August 2026.
John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror - National Portrait Gallery
John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror at the National Portrait Gallery pairs two renowned Australian artists—John Brack and Noel McKenna—in a dynamic conversation across time. Featuring over 90 works, the exhibition explores shared themes and artistic echoes between the pair, despite being separated by nearly 50 years.
Thoughtful, playful and insightful, it offers fresh perspectives on both artists and their lasting influence.
Free exhibition
Open until 19 July 2026
Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists, 1996 Noel McKenna. © Noel McKenna/Copyright Agency, 2024. John Brack 'Two Typists' 1955 is kindly reproduced with permission from Helen Brack
Remembering the War – National Library of Australia
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Remembering the War draws on the National Library of Australia's extensive collections to tell stories of conflict, resilience and change.
From recruitment campaigns and anti-conscription movements to espionage and the evolving role of women in wartime, the exhibition explores both the immediate and lasting impacts of the war across societies.
Free exhibition
Open until 20 September 2026
Animals in the Parliament House – Australia Parliament House
Discover a lively menagerie of creatures brought to life through art at Australian Parliament House. From bold sculptures to detailed prints and paintings, Animals in the Parliament House Art Collections exhibition showcases how leading Australian artists depict animals in imaginative and diverse ways.
A fun and accessible experience for visitors of all ages, it highlights the richness of animal representation in contemporary Australian art.
Free exhibition
Open until October 2026
Floral Impressions Exhibition – Royal Australian Mint
Explore the beauty and symbolism of flowers through coins in this unique exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint.
Floral Impressions reveals how floral designs struck into metal carry cultural meaning, history and national identity. These intricate motifs serve as lasting symbols, connecting people across time and place while preserving stories for future generations.
Free exhibition
Open until 31 March 2027
Arthur Boyd: tapestries
Also at the National Gallery of Australia is Arthur Boyd: tapestries. This majoy exhibition offers a world-first opportunity to experience the full cycle of 20 monumental tapestries by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd.
Free exhibition
Open from 20 June to 18 October 2026.
Arthur Boyd, Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre (tapestry workshop), St Francis when young turning aside 1972, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 1975, Arthur Boyd’s work reproduced with the permission of Bundanon Trust.
See and do more in Canberra
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.
