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See Plan your visit for important visitor and safety information including a request to provide your first name and a contact number.

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  • Free general admission
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Every object in the National Museum tells a story and our dynamic, curriculum-linked school programs bring these stories to life.

Due to COVID-19 the Museum has online and two onsite programs available in Term 4 2020.

Bookings

Book online at Book Canberra Excursions for:

We are also offering two outreach programs for local schools only. For details email education@nma.gov.au

For help with booking changes, email bookings@nma.gov.au

Safety information

The Museum has qualified first aid officers and a first aid room. Fire and emergency procedures are managed by trained staff and tested regularly. A warning will be activated in an emergency. All visitors will be given clear instructions from fire and safety wardens, who will supervise the evacuation of the building if necessary.

The Museum carries comprehensive public liability insurance cover.

All staff and volunteers working with children have undergone an Australian Federal Police security check and Working With Vulnerable People check.

Prior to their Museum visit all schools receive an email with important information about appropriate behaviour for students. This emphasises the fact that teachers have the duty of care for students when they are visiting the Museum and that all students should be in sight of a teacher or carer at all times.

The Museum has access facilities and wheelchairs available to visitors with special needs. Visitors require no special clothing or equipment.

Closures

Teacher-guided visits are not available. Kspace is closed.

Contact us

For detailed program information including availability and procedures:

Bookings Officer
Phone +61 2 6208 5345
Email bookings@nma.gov.au

For schools and groups

Nine spaces marked ‘bus stop’ near the main entrance, with a set-down and pick-up zone near the red fire-hydrant boosters, and overflow parking on Lawson Crescent

Frequently asked questions

How much time should we spend at the Museum?

The Museum is a large building with lots to see and do. If you’re doing a two-hour Museum educator-led program, you may want an extra hour for free exploration, extending your stay to three hours.

Is there a charge for school visits and programs?

General Museum entry is free. Museum educator-led programs are delivered by our staff at a cost per student. Digital excursions are free.

Can students bring their bags into the Museum?

To protect the Museum’s collection, we do not allow backpacks, food or drink in our galleries. We prefer that students leave their bags on the bus. If that is not possible, limited storage space is available. Water and medications may be carried into the galleries in small bags that are available from the Information Desk.

Can students take photographs in the Museum?

Cameras may be used in the galleries, however photography is not permitted in temporary exhibitions.

Is there anywhere to eat at the Museum?

There are many areas for students to eat their lunch, including the outside deck, lake foreshore and the Gandel Atrium during wet weather. You can pre-order lunches for your students via our Venue Coordinator, phone +61 2 6208 5191.

What facilities and services are there for people with disabilities?

We welcome all visitors and our accessibility services include hearing loops, free wheelchair hire, large print guides and more.

Does the Museum have a shop?

There is a gift shop in the Gandel Atrium, with many items that are affordable for most students.

What if I have another question?
  • Email bookings@nma.gov.au or phone +61 2 6208 5345 for detailed program information including availability, procedures and making bookings for small groups of students
  • Email education@nma.gov.au or phone +61 2 6208 5345 for other enquiries

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