National Museum of Australia
Opened in March 2001, the National Museum is the first in the country devoted to the stories of Australia and Australians, exploring the key issues, events and people that have shaped and influenced our nation.
The Museum brings together the richly diverse stories of Australia's land, nation and people, and has developed an international reputation for innovative exhibitions.
The collection has everything from a carcass of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger to Australia's largest collection of bark paintings, Greg Chappel's cricket cap and Captain Cook's magnifier.
Enjoy the Museum's rotating theatre Circa, or create a city of the future and see it come to life at our 3D theatre - Kspace.
With hands-on displays, guided tours, exhibitions and event for the family, waterfront dining, a magnificent shop and more, there are so many reasons to visit. Best of all, general admission is free!
Collections
More than 200,000 objects. There are four permanent exhibitions: Eternity: Stories from the Emotional Heart of Australia, Old New Land: Australia's People and Environment, Gallery of First Australians and Australian Journeys. The Nation gallery has now closed making way for an exciting new permanent gallery - Landmarks: People and Places across Australia.
Exhibitions
Australian Journeys
26 Jan 2009 - 31 Dec 2019
Australian Journeys traces Australia's interconnections with the world.
Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route
30 Jul 2010 - 26 Jan 2011
Discover the history and culture of the people whose Country surrounds Western Australia’s most famous outback road. Explore the stock route through...
Events
Creative craft with Friends
15 Sep 2010 - 15 Sep 2010
Have fun, play games and enjoy craft activities. Suitable for children under-5. Friends Lounge
Women's voices
17 Sep 2010 - 17 Sep 2010
Prominent women talk about their lives, work and passions. Friends Lounge
Collectorfest: Cookbooks
19 Sep 2010 - 19 Sep 2010
Join legendary Australian food writer Margaret Fulton, OAM, and food historian Adele Wessell as they share their passion for collectable cookbooks. Bring...
ArtTalk
22 Sep 2010 - 22 Sep 2010
Join this insightful talk about the Canning Stock Route collection and the Aboriginal art history of the Western Desert. Friends Lounge Image: Patrick...
History at home
23 Sep 2010 - 23 Sep 2010
This illustrated lecture series looks at Australian domestic life. Delve into this surprising and interesting history. Friends Lounge
Making music with Friends
24 Sep 2010 - 24 Sep 2010
Make music, sing and dance with Rocking Horse Music. Suitable for children aged 2 to 5. Friends Lounge
Family festival: Into the unknown
27 Sep 2010 - 27 Sep 2010
A festival for families to celebrate the scientific discovery of Australia’s weird and wonderful flora and fauna. Learn about the platypus with ACT Waterwatch...
Ceramics workshop: Wild world
28 Sep 2010 - 28 Sep 2010
Join ceramicist Bev Hogg to create a wild collaborative landscape using clay and natural materials. Individual artworks will be fired and available for...
Discovery space: A strange new land
28 Sep 2010 - 01 Oct 2010
Imagine you’re an explorer discovering new lands, plants and animals. Enter a world where you can create your own species and contribute to a landscape...
Fieldwork forensics: Searching for the platypus
29 Sep 2010 - 29 Sep 2010
Help ACT Waterwatch survey Lake Burley Griffin to observe a platypus habitat. What other new things will you discover on your home shores? After recording...