Daily 75-minute sessions: 9.15am, 10.45am, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3.30pmThis fun, immersive play and learn space is designed for children of all abilities from birth to 6 years, their families and carers. Every session includes free, child-led activities in our mini makers corner.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday hourly from 10.15am to 3.15pmBe transported to one of the world’s most breathtaking and pristine landscapes in The Great Kimberley Wilderness – a 35-minute virtual reality documentary narrated by Luke Hemsworth.
First Tuesday of the monthExplore the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre in a quiet hours session for visitors who prefer a quieter experience. These sessions offer reduced noise and sensory experiences.
Our Story sheds light on the little-known history of Aboriginal and Chinese relations in colonial Australia. Curated by artist and researcher Zhou Xiaoping, the exhibition draws on historical records and oral histories to bring these untold stories into the collective consciousness of all Australians.
The man from the moon has landed at the MuseumThis exhibition explores the creative world of Norman Hetherington, the remarkable artist, cartoonist and puppeteer behind Mr Squiggle and Friends.
Play is a new display of objects from the Museum’s rich collection of toys, many well-worn and once treasured. See if you recognise your own childhood and the enduring joy of play. See if you recognise your own childhood and the enduring joy of play.
Join us in Mr Squiggle and Friends for a quiet hours session with reduced noise and sensory experiences.
Play free at the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre in recognition of Indigenous Literacy Day. For children of all abilities from birth to 6 years, their families and carers.
Which is the oldest dress in our collection and how do you care for something so precious? Join curator Cheryl Crilly and conservator Kerryn Wagg as they unpick the history, design and preservation of a magnificent 18th century dress now on display on the Mezzanine above the recently re-opened Landmarks gallery. Free and exclusive to Friends, bookings essential. Join Friends
Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October, drop in between 10am–12pmGet creative these school holidays making wacky sock puppets! Craft your own puppet friends using a variety of materials. Discover the world of hand and glove puppets while decorating your sock, and experience the magic of puppetry with beloved puppeteer Marianne Mettes. Suitable for children aged 5–12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us to discuss Lest, the latest work by acclaimed journalist and historian Mark Dapin. Millions of dollars are spent commemorating Australia’s military history, but do the myths reflect the reality? What actually happened? This book aims to set the record straight. Exclusive to Friends. Join Friends
This guided tour provides an excellent introduction to the Museum, exploring highlights from our permanent exhibition galleries.
Talking Blak to History in our First Australians gallery features powerful objects and stories that speak to the aftermath of colonisation, of survival and resilience.
On the hour between 10am and 4pm Join a free 10-minute host talk in our Great Southern Land or First Australians galleries or the Garden of Australian Dreams.
10amThis guided tour provides an insight into the stories and meanings hidden in the Museum building, design and landscapes. Please wear appropriate footwear for walking outside.
3–4pmTake a guided tour with one of our hosts to learn about First Nations peoples, their history, culture and connection to country.
Explore stunning objects and rich multi-sensory experiences as you discover the story of the vast, vibrant Australian continent. See how the continent has transformed into one of the most diverse and resilient places on Earth – and how these changes can guide us in the future.
Daily at 9am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pmTraverse the vast, vibrant Australian continent on this tour of the Museum’s environmental history gallery, Great Southern Land.
Tuesdays and Thursdays during ACT school termEnjoy free 15-minute story time sessions in the workshop next to the Discovery Centre. Drop-in, places are limited.
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The National Museum of Australia acknowledges First Australians and recognises their continuous connection to Country, community and culture.