Calendar

Daily 75-minute sessions: 9.15am, 10.45am, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3.30pm
This fun, immersive play space is designed for children of all abilities aged 0 to 6 years. Every session includes free, child-led activities in our mini makers corner.

Saturdays and Sundays plus ACT school holidays
Explore a day in the life of Antarctic scientists in this immersive virtual reality adventure, brought to you by the National Museum of Australia and the Western Australian Museum.

Saturdays and Sundays plus ACT school holidays
Experience one of the greatest international scientific endeavours in history as you step onto Australia’s future site of the incredible Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope in an immersive 360-degree virtual reality cinema experience.

Journey to the land of the pyramids to discover the wonders of ancient Egypt in this must-see exhibition featuring more than 220 objects from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden).

First Tuesday of the month from March to September 2024, 4–6pm
Visit Discovering Ancient Egypt during one of our quiet hours sessions. Quiet hours sessions offer reduced noise and sensory experiences. Suitable for visitors who prefer smaller crowds and a quieter visit. Exhibition ticket costs apply.

Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland is the third in a three-part exhibition series that captures generations of cultural knowledge shaped by a profound relationship to Country. Featuring works from Mossman Gorge, Weipa, Mapoon, Napranum, Wujal Wujal and Pormpuraaw.

Mr Squiggle, the man from the moon, has landed at the National Museum of Australia. See the puppet with a pencil for a nose and Rocket to celebrate the acquisition of the Norman Hetherington collection. On show for a limited time via Great Southern Land Mezzanine.

The Museum Market Day will transform Gandel Atrium into an exciting art and design market with fashion, jewellery, ceramics and homewares from more than 40 local and regional makers and creators. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the music, food and drink as you search for that perfect gift. Friends receive 20% discount on purchases instore at the Museum Shop (conditions apply).

Mr Squiggle has landed at the Museum! The original Mr Squiggle marionette, along with more than 800 related objects created by artist, performer and puppeteer Norman Hetherington, have been acquired 65 years after first debuting on Australian television. Join us to view Mr Squiggle and Rocket and hear about this remarkable collection from Museum curator Dr Sophie Jensen. Friends exclusive event. Join Friends

Play free at the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre in celebration of Mother’s Day. For children of all abilities from birth to 6 years.

Meet Dr Luke Keogh, academic, curator, historian and the inaugural White Family Senior Fellow in Australian Garden History. Over the next two years, Luke will lead a program that explores and shares the history, influences and future trends in Australian gardening. He is excited to share his plans with the Friends. 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.

10am
This 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.

3–4pm
Take 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.

First Tuesday of the month
Explore 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.

Daily at 9am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
Traverse the vast, vibrant Australian continent on this tour of the Museum’s environmental history gallery, Great Southern Land.

90-minute tours leaving at 12.30pm and 3pm
Join a seasonal walk through our Christina and Trevor Kennedy Garden as Adam Shipp of Yurbay Consultancies shares his passion for native plants. Includes the opportunity to sample some of the flavours found in and around Canberra.

90-minute tours leaving at 9.30am and 12pm
Join a seasonal walk through our Christina and Trevor Kennedy Garden as Adam Shipp of Yurbay Consultancies shares his passion for native plants. Includes the opportunity to sample some of the flavours found in and around Canberra.

Join us to discuss Songlines: The Power and Promise, an eye-opening book that invites readers to understand a remarkable way of storing knowledge in memory by adapting song, art and Country into their lives. All Friends welcome. Join Friends