Welcome to the National Museum of Australia
About us
The National Museum of Australia brings to life the rich and diverse stories of Australia through compelling objects, ideas and events. It focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, Australian history and society since 1788, and people’s interaction with the Australian environment.
Where to find us
National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra ACT 2601. We are open daily from 9am–5pm, except Christmas Day.
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Visit us
There is always something unique to see and do at the Museum. Our permanent galleries are open from 9am to 5pm daily and there is an exciting calendar of world-class touring temporary exhibitions, virtual reality experiences, events, school holiday programs and festivals.
Discover fascinating and surprising objects in our collection, visit the Garden of Australian Dreams, explore our stunning location on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and admire the building’s impressive architecture.
Our access team works to ensure the Museum is inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds. Contact us if you have questions, or so we can tailor services to your needs before you visit.
Email: disability@nma.gov.au
Admission
General admission is free. Costs apply for some special exhibitions and events.
Guided tours
Take a guided tour to see and experience the National Museum of Australia with one of our highly knowledgeable hosts. Hear the stories behind highlights of our collection, learn more about First Australians or enjoy the Ultimate Museum Experience.
Group bookings are welcome. Tours in languages other than English are available by request, and private customised tours by appointment.
Bookings: phone +61 2 6208 5021 weekdays or email bookings@nma.gov.au
Museum Cafe
Spectacular views over Lake Burley Griffin make the Museum Cafe the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or a coffee with friends or family. Choose from our delicious cakes and pastries, light meals and daily specials featuring the season’s best produce. Sit indoors or out on the deck, or relax in one of our comfortable lounge chairs and browse the internet with our free wi-fi. Open 9am–4.45pm daily.
Museum Shop
Discover a beautiful range of homewares, glassware, jewellery, Indigenous arts and crafts, toys, books, bath products, giftware and much more — where everything we sell has a story to tell.
The Museum Shop is in the Gandel Atrium and is open 9am–5pm every day, except Christmas Day. You can also visit the Museum Shop online.
Information Desk
See the Information Desk inside the Museum entrance for:
- tickets and tours, what’s on and special offers
- free wheelchair, scooter and stroller hire
- maps in other languages
- storing bags, umbrellas, baby backpacks or items larger than 30 cm
Wi-fi & ATM
Wi-fi is free at the Museum, as is the mobile recharge station in our Museum Cafe.
There is an automatic teller machine (ATM) with audio in the Gandel Atrium.
Parents’ room
Includes a toilet, change table and microwave. Breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of the Museum. Strollers for babies and young children up to 17 kg are available for free hire from the Information Desk.
Photography
Photography for personal use is allowed in our galleries, except in temporary exhibitions or where signs request no photography. Tripods and flashes are not permitted.
Parking
Fees apply for parking at the Museum from Monday to Friday from 8.30am–5pm. There is free parking on weekends and public holidays, and always for limited mobility spaces and motorbikes.
Accessible parking spaces for visitors who have a mobility impairment and the required permit are available free of charge near our main entrance.
Contact us
Freecall: 1800 026 132
Phone: +61 2 6208 5000
Email: information@nma.gov.au