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A person walking by an artwork at a gallery

Museums and galleries

Family and tour guide in a gallery

Discover the Australian story at Canberra's national museums

Canberra is well-known for its national attractions, but culture lovers also thrive within the city's local arts scene and heritage sites.

The city is home to 12 of Australia’s most iconic cultural attractions, museums and galleries. Each showcases a unique perspective of Australia's story from First Nations history to contemporary times. 

See the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the National Gallery of Australia and discover where the big decisions are made at Australian Parliament House. Pay your respects to those we lost at a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial and explore the treasure trove of rare books, maps, manuscripts and photographs at the National Library of Australia.

There are exhibitions, events and experiences to interest anyone at the National Museum of Australia. See famous Aussies at the National Portrait Gallery and learn about the wonderful world of science at Questacon. Laugh at the best political cartoons of the year at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and watch coins be made at the Royal Australian Mint. Catch a classic film at the National Film and Sound Archive and learn intriguing stories from Australian history at the National Archives of Australia

Many attractions offer free entry to their impressive permanent exhibitions. Make time to refuel at their cafes and pick up a souvenir to remember your trip at their beautifully curated stores.

A woman gazing at art.

National Gallery of Australia

Delight in the art and world-class exhibitions on show at the National Gallery of Australia, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Art lovers will enjoy meandering through the galleries and admiring the collection, including the famous 'Blue Poles' by Jackson Pollock and the Ned Kelly series by Sidney Nolan.

The new Australian and International art galleries provide plenty of things to see, following a large-scale rehang of almost every piece. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection comprises over 7500 works and is the largest globally.

National Gallery of Australia

National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia's stunning architecture provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people.

Take a guided tour or wander solo through the many exhibitions. Get to know the real, the treasured, the surprising and the inspirational objects from Australian history.

Discover the stories and meanings hidden in the Museum building, design and landscapes on the Building and Architecture guided tour at 10 am or discover the highlights on the Museum Highlights guided tour at 1pm or the First Australians Tour at 3pm daily.

National Museum of Australia

A couple sitting on a bench and admiring the portraits at the National Portrait Gallery.

National Portrait Gallery 

No visit to Canberra would be complete without a visit to the National Portrait Gallery. This national attraction is home to hundreds of portraits of all mediums and holds the mission of telling Australian stories to increase understanding and appreciation of Australian people through the art of portraiture – their identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.

National Portrait Gallery

A young child and an older man placing a poppy into the wall of names of fallen soldiers.

Australian War Memorial

Bringing together a world-class museum, shrine and research centre, the War Memorial tells the stories of men and women who have served, and continue to serve our nation in war, conflict and operations. Through exhibitions, artworks, large technology objects and personal records, we share personal experiences of military service.

Australian War Memorial

Artwork on display at Canberra Glassworks.

Canberra Glassworks

Canberra Glassworks is Australia’s leading centre for contemporary glass art, craft and design - the only one of its kind in the nation. Housed in the historic Kingston Power House, visit the hot shop to see glass artist in action before seeing masterpieces in the gallery and shop.

Why not try your hand at making a glass tumbler or paperweight at an interactive workshop? There's event school holiday programs for young aspiring glass artists. 

Canberra Glassworks

Strobing lights at an exhibition.

National Film and Sound Archive

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is open daily on McCoy Circuit in Acton’s cultural precinct – drop in for date night, a family outing or a quiet afternoon to yourself. Check out the weekly Arc Cinema program, explore the curious collection of audiovisual artefacts on display in The Library, or simply enjoy a locally roasted coffee in the cosy Mediatheque or the sunny heritage courtyard.

National Film and Sound Archive

Three kids of varying heights looking at a digital collage of black and white photographs at the National Archives of Australia.

National Archives of Australia

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at National Archives of Australia – the memory of our nation.

Located in the historic East Block in Canberra’s parliamentary triangle, enjoy unique exhibitions in this heritage listed space. Trace the events and decisions that have shaped the nation, learn intriguing stories from Australian history, or make your own discoveries on the interactive digital wall.

National Archives of Australia

The exterior of a large white building in front of blue skies

National Library of Australia

Wander through the Main Reading Room at the National Library of Australia to view some of the building’s artwork and look through a selection of books on display.

Or take advantage of one of their free guided tours. Trained volunteer guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections.

National Library of Australia

Family exploring a heritage site

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

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.

Will you watch glassmakers create masterpieces in the hot shop at the Canberra Glassworks or see Sir Sidney Nolan's iconic paintings at the Canberra Museum and Gallery? Take time to explore the art galleries nestled throughout the suburbs that specialise in everything from photography to screen printing. With exhibitions regularly changing, there's always something new to see. 

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.

Must-see local galleries

Gallery of Small Things (GOST)

Gallery of Small Things

TripAdvisor rating6 reviews
Watson, ACT
Entrance to Canberra Museum + Gallery

Canberra Museum and Gallery

TripAdvisor rating160 reviews
Canberra City, ACT
Four artists cooling the pipes in the Glassowrks Hotshop

Canberra Glassworks

TripAdvisor rating393 reviews
Kingston, ACT
Craft + Design Canberra Shop

Craft + Design Canberra

TripAdvisor rating3 reviews
Canberra, ACT
M16 Artspace

M16 Artspace

Griffith, ACT
Large, colourful paintings by Kubbitji Kngwarreye on exhibition at Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery

Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery

TripAdvisor rating6 reviews
Nicholls, ACT
Bungendore Fine Art Gallery

Bungendore Fine Arts Gallery

Queanbeyan, NSW
Aarwun Gallery frontage

Aarwun Gallery

Nicholls, ACT
Entering the Gallery from the foyer

Burrunju Art Gallery

TripAdvisor rating5 reviews
Canberra, ACT
Showroom gallery

Humble House gallery

Fyshwick, ACT
Image: installation of Backwash, ANU Drill Gallery, 1 Sept - 22 Oct 2023.

Drill Hall Gallery

TripAdvisor rating12 reviews
Acton, ACT
Events at the gallery

Grainger Gallery

Fyshwick, ACT

Popular historic sites

Main Building at Lanyon Homestead

Lanyon Homestead

Fenceline posts Blundells Cottage

Blundells Cottage

Group of cyclists going past the R G Menzies statue on the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore

R G Menzies Walk

Photo of the exterior of Mugga-Mugga Cottage

Mugga-Mugga Cottage

Wide shot of Calthorpes House and surrounding gardens

Calthorpes House

Family taking the Australian of the Year Walk. Photo by Jinkyart

Australians of the Year Walk

The museum main entrance

Canberra Railway Museum

Deep Space Station 34 Deep space communication antennas

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Darter on a birdwatching tour

Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Views from the bush walk

Black Mountain

Lone cyclist in the wide open spaces

Canberra Centenary Trail

Tall granite cliffs at dusk

Booroomba Rocks

Featured events

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2 Dec 2024 – 2 Nov 2025

Behind the Lines

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Drag King with tophat
1–30 Nov 2025

Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival

Next on 1 Nov 2025
painting of a ploiceman upsidedown with his head in the ground and a magpie sitting on his rifle
25 Mar 2024 – 26 Mar 2026

The Nolan Collection

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Indigenous painting with large brushtrokes and shapes of colour
14 Sep 2024 – 6 Aug 2025

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

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People exploring the Taglietti Exhibition
7 Jun 2025 – 22 Feb 2026

Taglietti: Life in Design

Next on today from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Sepia photographs from the upcoming Fit to Print exhibition at the National Library of Australia.
27 Feb – 20 Jul 2025

Exhibition - Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive selected by Mike Bowers

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Poster images of women"
10 Oct 2024 – 31 Jul 2025

I AM A NEW WOMAN art exhibition

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