With its stunning architecture and location, the National Museum of Australia is an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events, gala balls, cocktail functions, lakeside dining and school formals.
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On the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, the Museum has an abundance of natural light and combines impressive indoor and outdoor spaces to provide a magnificent backdrop for any function.
Explore Museum venues
The Gandel Atrium makes any event a memorable occasion. With soaring ceilings and expansive windows overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, this stunning architectural space is perfect for events large and small.
Your guests will be surrounded by objects from the Museum’s collection including a Muttaburrasaurus skeleton and an iconic 1955 FJ Holden. What's on show in the Gandel Atrium

Capacity: 1,000 cocktail, 500 theatre or 450 banquet
Area: 1,543m2
Cost: $2,200 (from 6.30pm)
Includes: 1 x security guard, 1 x cleaner, lectern and microphone
The Bay Windows offer both dramatic architecture and intimacy within the larger Gandel Atrium. Expansive curved windows and high ceilings provide a stunning backdrop as guests look over Lake Burley Griffin towards the city. Access to the Lakeside Deck, with grassed gardens leading to the water’s edge, can be arranged on request.

Capacity: 120 theatre, 150 cocktail, 90 banquet or 60 cabaret
Area: 125m2
Cost: $1,250 (from 6.30pm)
Includes: 1 x security guard, 1 x cleaner, lectern and microphone
Located right on the water’s edge, the Peninsula Room is surrounded by windows that offer an abundance of natural light and views over Lake Burley Griffin. It is both a practical daytime venue and intimate evening event space.
At the rear of the room, guests look into the Museum’s Garden of Australian Dreams. Guests also have exclusive use of a deck and undercover outdoor area, perfect for pre-dinner canapés or a conference breakout space.

Capacity: 250 theatre, 250 cocktail, 190 banquet or 160 cabaret
Area: 389m2
Cost: $1,150 (8am–5pm), $850 (4 hours half-day), $1,850 (from 5pm)
Includes: 2 x data projectors with screens, lectern and microphone, Bose PA sound system, 1 x roving microphone, wi-fi internet connection
Additional evening inclusions: Bookings from 5pm also include 1 x security guard, 1 x cleaner
The Museum’s newest event space offers an unrivalled guest experience. An open venue available for your exclusive use, the Mezzanine overlooks the Great Southern Land gallery, the Museum’s new environmental history gallery.
Available as a breakout area, display space, cocktail lounge or dramatic dinner venue, guests will find themselves surrounded by objects and stories, making for a unique and memorable event.

Capacity: 180 cocktail or banquet
Area: 300m2
Cost: $2,500 (from 6.30pm)
Includes: 1 x security guard, 1 x cleaner
Visions Theatre is a dedicated lecture theatre suitable for talks, presentations and film screenings for up to 177 people. Access to the green room is available on request.

Capacity: 177 theatre
Cost: $1,650 (9am–5pm), $1,650 (from 5pm)
Includes: data projector and screen, lectern and microphone, roving microphone, laptop, complimentary use of a dedicated breakout space to serve refreshments
Additional evening inclusions: Bookings from 5pm also include 1 x security guard, 1 x cleaner
The Friends Lounge is a modern, relaxing and intimate lakeside space for informal social gatherings and small networking events. Doors open to a deck and lead guests down to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

Capacity: 80 cocktail
Area: 100 m2
Cost: $450 (from 6.30pm)
Includes: audio system
At the heart of the Museum is the Garden of Australian Dreams, a symbolic landscape exploring ideas of place and country. This outdoor area, with its water features, creative landscaping and lighting effects, is encircled by the Museum building, providing a magical setting for any evening event.

Photo: Anne Stroud Photography
Capacity: 1,000 cocktail or 350 banquet
Area: 5,500m2
Cost: Price on application (from 6.30pm)
Includes: 1 x security guard, 1 x cleaner
This impressive outdoor venue, situated right on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, makes a perfect setting for an event under the stars.
Capacity: 1,600 cocktail or 350 banquet
Cost: $2,200 (from 5pm)
Bring your event to life
Museum catering by Broadbean
Broadbean Catering & Events has a reputation for delicious and fresh locally-sourced food and outstanding service. Multiple winner of ACT Wedding Caterer of the Year, ACT Venue Caterer and overall ACT Catering of the Year, Broadbean has a proven track record of delivering to the highest standards.
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- Download Function catering packages337.6 kb pdf [ PDF | 337.6 kb ]
- Download Wedding catering packages1.5 mb pdf [ PDF | 1.5 mb ]
Gifts to complement a special event or occasion can be pre-purchased from the Museum Shop. Here you will find a variety of Australian-made gifts and an exclusive range of National Museum products. We can pre-arrange after-hours shop access for your guests.
Your guests will discover treasured, surprising and inspirational objects and stories from Australia’s history on a private tour or an exclusive exhibition viewing. Tours can be conducted in a variety of languages and tailored to impress your guests. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Our team of in-house technicians will work with you to create an audiovisual package to meet your needs. Where applicable, a price for this component will be provided in your written quote.
Hire includes venue security and dedicated event cleaning. At the Museum’s discretion, high-risk events may require additional cleaning or security. Where applicable, a price for this will be provided in your written quote.
Contact us
Email: venuehire@nma.gov.au
Phone: 02 6208 5179
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