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Bookings
For program bookings email bookings@nma.gov.au
or phone (02) 6208 5021
For Friends program bookings, email friends@nma.gov.au
or phone (02) 6208 5048.
If you are deaf, hearing or speech impaired you can call
the Museum through the National Relay Service:
TTY 1800 555 677
Speak and Listen 1800 555 727
or Internet relay and request
1800 026 132
The National Museum of Australia is devoted to telling stories about Australia and Australians. Even the building has its own story to tell.
When you visit in 2013, you will notice the construction activities of our Museum development program.
Introduction to the Museum video
Opening hours
The National Museum of Australia is open 9am to 5pm daily, closed Christmas Day. The Museum Shop is open weekdays 10am to 5pm and weekends/public holidays 9am to 5pm.
Getting here
The National Museum of Australia is located on Acton Peninsula on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, just a short drive south-west of the city centre. Access is via Lawson Crescent, Acton.
National Museum of Australia
Lawson Crescent
Acton Peninsula
Canberra ACT 2601
Freecall 1800 026 132
Tel +61 2 6208 5000
Fax +61 2 6208 5148
information@nma.gov.au
Parking
- All on-site parking is free and has a 4-hour limit.
- Disabled parking facilities are available close to the National Museum's main entrance.
- A bus and coach parking area is close to the main entrance.
- Parking areas for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and trailers are also available.
The free Centenary Loop. Visit the ACTION website for more details.
Local bus services
- Canberra has a free Centenary Loop bus connecting the Museum with the city centre and other national attractions located around Lake Burley Griffin. It runs every 30 minutes from 9am to 4.30pm throughout 2013. For a route map and timetable information visit the Centenary Loop on the ACTION website.
- Action bus number 7 operates to the National Museum on weekdays and number 934 on the weekends. For route and timetable information and fares visit the ACTION website.
- The Explorer Bus offers a tour bus service to tourist attractions in the national capital. For route and timetable information and fares visit the Canberra Day Tours website.
Cycling
- Bicycle paths lead to the National Museum and bicycle racks are available for your use.
- A map of bicycle paths can be found on the Department of Territory and Municipal Services website.
Walking
- Enjoy a walk to the National Museum from the city on the bicycle/walking paths along the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin.
- A map of walking paths can be found on the ACT Planning and Land Authority website.
Admission
- General admission to the National Museum of Australia and our permanent galleries is free.
- Some national and international temporary exhibitions and some special programs have a charge.
- For further information on admission charges to special programs and exhibitions, or to make a booking, please contact the bookings office.
Tel: +61 2 6208 5021
Email: bookings@nma.gov.au
Conditions of entry
To help us protect our displays and exhibitions from damage, we ask visitors to observe the following conditions of entry to the National Museum:
- Items where any one side is larger than 30cm such as bags, backpacks, umbrellas, baby backpack carriers, tripods and monopods are not permitted in the exhibition areas. Free storage is available in the Hall cloakroom.
- Food and drink are not permitted in exhibition areas.
- The National Museum building is smoke-free. A Visitor Services Host can direct you to the closest designated smoking area if required.
- Photography is permitted in permanent galleries for private purposes only, using hand-held equipment. Photography and filming of objects on loan and temporary exhibitions is not allowed. Labels state whether an object is from the National Museum of Australia's collection or elsewhere.
- Trained, registered and visibly identifiable guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome to visit the Museum when accompanied by their handler. Please view the Assistance Animal Access Guidelines and Procedures for further information.
Keeping safe when visiting
Your responsibilities
The Museum as a public facility reminds you that you are responsible for the direct supervision of children in your care. We encourage families (especially those with young children) to stay together at all times. The Museum is best experienced as a family and there are some topics (such as the Stolen Generations) that you may want to interpret or explain to your child. There are also some areas of the Museum, including Kspace and Circa where, for safety reasons, children may not be permitted without adult supervision.
Before you visit:
- Tell your children that the Museum is a big place and that they need to stay with you at all times.
- Make a plan in case you are separated – ensure you and your child can describe each other accurately (name, clothing or distinguishing feature).
When you arrive:
- Point out the Visitor Services staff to your children and encourage them to seek their assistance if required. Visitor Services staff are trained to reunite children who are lost/found in a swift, discrete and professional manner.
- If you have a child/children who tend to wander off write your mobile telephone number on the child or give it to them. Visitor Services staff can then call you if required.
For families with older children:
- Make a plan – where to meet and what time
- Encourage older children to stay together at all times.
- Make sure they know or have your mobile telephone number.
General tips for safety:
- Walk (don't run) – the Museum's visitors include a range of age groups and abilities, walking will ensure the safety of both your children and other visitors.
- Signs – you'll see a range of safety signs posted at the Museum, please follow their advice
- Staff requests – our Visitor Services staff may make requests or give you directions from time to time, please follow their requests.
Cloakroom services
We provide a cloakroom service to store your bags and items during your visit (see our Conditions of entry above):
- Small bags to carry essential items are available for free loan from the cloakroom. You will need to provide and leave contact information and identification when borrowing this item. Numbers are limited.
- Free stroller loans are available from the cloakroom. These are suitable for babies and young children up to 17kg. You will need to provide and leave contact information and identification when borrowing this item. Numbers are limited.
Reservations: Tel +61 2 6208 5110 - Free wheelchair and motorised scooter loans are also available. You will need to provide and leave contact information and identification when borrowing these items. Numbers are limited. Although not necessary, we suggest booking 24 hours in advance.
Reservations: Tel +61 2 6208 5110
Parenting facilities
The National Museum offers a number of facilities for visitors with young children:
- A comfortable and fully equipped parenting room is available for visitors with small children. Facilities include private and comfortable seating, changing and washing facilities and a microwave.
- The parenting room includes a comfortable place for breastfeeding, however breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of the Museum.
- Baby-changing facilities are also available in disabled toilets located throughout the National Museum.
- We have strollers for babies and young children that can be used at the National Museum during your visit. Strollers are available at the cloakroom.
- The National Museum has lifts throughout the building for easy accessibility within the galleries.
- Highchairs are available in the spacious eating area in the Hall.
Access programs and services
The Museum offers a range of services to allow our diverse audience access to the National Museum's exhibitions and services:
- Disabled parking facilities are available close to the Museum's main entrance.
- Free hire of wheelchairs and motorised scooters. You will need to provide contact information and identification when borrowing these items. Numbers are limited. Although not necessary, we suggest booking 24 hours in advance.
Reservations: Tel +61 2 6208 5110 - All Museum areas are accessible by lift or ramp.
- Each lift has an audible voice message indicating the direction the lift is heading and the gallery level.
- Personalised hearing loops for all guided tours.
- Hearing induction loops in our theatre spaces, the Information Desk and Cloakroom.
- If you are deaf, hearing or speech impaired you can call the Museum through the National Relay Service:
- TTY 1800 555 677 or
- Speak and Listen call 1800 555 727 or
- internet relay and ask for 1800 026 132. - Large print or tactile National Museum map and guide to the Garden of Australian Dreams available for free loan.
- Trained, registered and visibly identified Assistance Animals are welcome to visit the Museum when accompanied by their handler. Please view the Assistance Animal Access Guidelines and Procedures for further information.
- Discounts for concession card holders.
- Discounts for carers.
- Guided tours and talks are available in a range of languages.
- Art and music access workshops for people with a disability
The National Museum can tailor services to best suit your needs and we encourage you to contact us to discuss your requirements before your visit. Advance bookings are essential to help us best meet your needs. For more information telephone 1800 026 132.
Food and shopping
Visitors can purchase food and drinks from the Museum Cafe by Rowland Commercial.
At the Museum Shop you'll find unusual homewares, arts and crafts, gourmet treats and more – unique, surprising and at prices to suit every budget.
The Museum has an ATM (automated teller machine) for the convenience of visitors.
Find out more about food and shopping at the National Museum.
Group visits
The National Museum welcomes group visits. Gain a great introduction to the National Museum on a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable Visitor Services Hosts. Fees apply, and incudes discounts at our café Cuiseum and the Museum Shop. Bookings are essential. We also offer groups guided tours in languages such as Greek, Japanese, Mandarin, Laotian, Thai, Filipino, Hindi, Ourdo, Dari and Farsi but you need to book and costs apply.
Group bookings:
Tel +61 2 6208 5021 (Monday to Friday)
Fax +61 2 6208 5148
Email: bookings@nma.gov.au
Coach parking
The National Museum has a bus and coach parking area close to the main entrance.
Schools
We provide a range of education programs linked to the Australian Curriculum. Find out more about planning a school visit or if you are ready, request a group booking online.
Visiting Canberra
All Australians are reflected in their nation's capital, Canberra. The city's national attractions care for and share the treasures of our nation, from Australia's proud sporting achievements and our unique political history, to Australian characters portrayed through sound and film, books and exhibitions. Canberra is full of fantastic experiences for visitors. Set within leafy surrounds, this modern city offers fun for the kids, a busy calendar of events and festivals, as well as stylish restaurants, bars and shops.
For more information about Canberra and the surrounding region including location details, facts and figures, how to get here and how to see the nation's capital go to — www.visitcanberra.com.au — or call the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre on + 61 2 6205 0044 (from outside Australia) or 1300 554 114 (Australia).
Accommodation packages
Preferred accommodation partner
Crowne Plaza Canberra
Ideally located in the heart of the nation’s capital and within walking distance of the city’s best bars, restaurants, attractions and main shopping precinct, Crowne Plaza Canberra is the ideal choice for those seeking a memorable experience. Each of our 296 luxurious rooms have been designed with your comfort in mind, and feature ergonomic workstations and deluxe bedding to ensure you are well-rested during your stay. Encounter friendly service, easy accessibility and all the amenities you’ll need to stay connected at Crowne Plaza Canberra.
Abode – The Apartment Hotel
Abode - The Apartment Hotel has partnered with the National Museum of Australia to bring you the Abode Glorious Days Package. Featuring at both Abode Gungahlin and Abode Tuggeranong, the offer includes two people in a king suite, free parking, late check out (12pm), a bottle of Croser sparkling on arrival and two tickets to the Glorious Days exhibition.
Capital Hotel Group
Capital Hotel Group boasts over 430 guest rooms and apartments in Canberra across three hotels – Aria Hotel Canberra, Pavilion on Northbourne and Clifton Suites on Northbourne. All 4.5 star properties are centrally located within a two kilometre radius of Canberra's central business district, with easy access to the National Museum.
Diamant Hotel Canberra
Sprawling throughout the transformed New Acton precinct, Canberra’s first true urban village, the Diamant Hotel offers sophisticated and effortless style, on the doorstep of Canberra's key cultural, entertainment, sport and commercial facilities and a short drive to the parliamentary triangle.
Book online at the Diamant Hotel
East Hotel
East Hotel is Canberra’s newest 4.5 star apartment hotel. Designed with the savvy traveller in mind, it is located between the vibrant hubs of Manuka and Kingston and is only a 10-minute drive to Canberra's city centre. East's open-plan apartments and studios provide the utmost in comfort, style and convenience and are more spacious than most other hotel rooms. Stay at East with our Glorious Days package and you will receive two tickets to the exhibition, hot buffet breakfast for two and a bottle of local Canberran vino – perfecto!
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Forrest Hotel and Apartments is a family-owned and run hotel located in the leafy suburb of Forrest. The hotel is just 10 minutes drive from the National Museum and very close to all the attractions within the parliamentary triangle. Forrest Hotel has a range of accommodation, varying from standard hotel rooms and executive suites, to one and two bedroom apartments, with something to suit everyone's needs.
To make a booking or obtain a quote please email reservations@forresthotel.com or call Reservations on 02 6203 4300.
Novotel Canberra
Novotel Canberra offers premium 4.5 star hotel accommodation located in the heart of the nation's capital, conveniently located close to shops, entertainment and major attractions. Enjoy the spacious and light-filled accommodation rooms, the hotel's One Restaurant & Bar, and the indoor heated pool, spa and gymnasium. Winner of the 2012 Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Awards ‘Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism’.
Book online at Novotel Canberra
Rydges Lakeside Canberra
A refurbished hotel in Canberra, Rydges Lakeside accommodation is an iconic landmark, right in the city centre on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Our Canberra accommodation's location, views, style and service ensure a memorable stay for business and leisure guests.
Book online at Rydges Lakeside Canberra
Client Service Charter
The National Museum of Australia welcomes and values your feedback to ensure that we continue to improve and provide quality services. Please complete a Client Service Charter if you have any comments.
