Overview

The iconic, heritage-listed Shine Dome will open its doors for behind-the-scenes tours as part of the 2026 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.

The Shine Dome has been a much-loved feature of the Canberra landscape since its award-winning construction in 1959. Its mid-century modern fittings and furnishings are timeless and elegant, and its spaces airy and retro-futuristic. It reflects some of the more adventurous architectural ideas of its time, and remains one of the most unusual buildings in Australia.

Make the most of this rare chance to explore the home of Australian science, the Shine Dome, with a behind-the-scenes tour. Fellows and staff of the Australian Academy of Science will conduct guided tours revealing intriguing stories and hidden details preserved within the walls of this unique building, from its construction to the present day.

If you're interested in architecture, Australian science, or simply curious to know what lies beyond and below the moat, this tour is for you.