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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.

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

Tables set up for a function. A car and caravan are also featured.
Photo: Paul Chapman, Chapman Images

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.

Tables set up for a function in a large bay window.

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.

A table set up for a function. View of a lake are visible in the background.

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.

Function set up on mezzanine level of the National Gallery of Australia.

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.

A view of the inside of the Visions Theatre.

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.

An internal view of the Museum Friends lounge.

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.

National Australia Museum's forecourt.

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.

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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