Discover objects large and small in our Gandel Atrium. This stunning architectural space includes highlights from our collection and new acquisitions. It is also the gateway to our Cafe and Shop.
On display
Explore the fascinating story of design through objects old and new. On show until 15 April 2024.
The FJ Holden is one of Australia’s most recognisable cultural artefacts of the 1950s.
Brian Manning's truck supplied First Nations people during a years long protest against unequal pay and poor conditions.
Civil rights activist Faith Bandler campaigned for recognition of Indigenous civil rights during the 1967 referendum campaign.
The pink Propert ‘Trailaway ’ caravan is the perfect example of 1950s style.

About the Gandel Atrium
The Gandel Atrium is named in recognition of the generosity of esteemed Australian philanthropists John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel AC. In 2018 the Gandel Foundation generously contributed a $1.5 million gift to the National Museum. This was the largest philanthropic gift the Museum had received and it was the first time the Museum instituted naming rights in acknowledgement of a gift.
The gift supported the launch of Australia’s Defining Moments Digital Classroom, which has since become a world-class digital education resource for teachers and students.
Discover more about our collection
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