Five senior artists from Tjungu Palya art centre in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia have reinvigorated their ancestors’ practice of painting directly onto the land. Their work, captured in a series of large-format photographs, is both timeless and transient, bridging the ancient and the contemporary.
Daily except when workshops in progressTake a closer look at eight of the Museum’s most interesting and significant objects. See the metallic thread running through a war bride’s dress, the Arabic script for ‘oil’ on a legendary car, the nail in the paw of the long-gone thylacine. These small details have big stories. Want to know more? Then join our workshop series!
This Australian-first exhibition explores the breadth and tradition of Chinese calligraphy and painting through artworks from the National Museum of China’s collection never previously shown outside of China.
Screen printing workshopJoin artists and facilitators from Megalo Print Studio + Gallery to guide you through the process of conceiving and creating prints using the objects on display in The Studio for inspiration.
Life Before Death workshopJoin ACT book of the year winning author and poet Paul Collis for a poetry workshop informed by the Thylacine pelt on display in The Studio and the provocation ‘life before death’.
Watercolour and gouache workshopArtist Naomi Zouwer will guide you through a range of drawing and painting techniques to make works of art responding to the objects on display in The Studio. Suitable for all levels of experience.
Become a liar with Jack Heath workshopJoin local author Jack Heath to explore writing for teenagers using the objects on display in The Studio to spark your creativity.
Acrylic painting workshop Join artist Naomi Zouwer to guide you through a range of drawing and painting techniques to make works of art responding to the objects on display in The Studio. Create one major artwork or a series of smaller pieces. Suitable for all levels of experience.
Lino print workshopJoin artists and facilitators from Megalo Print Studio + Gallery to guide you through the process of conceiving and creating prints using the objects on display in The Studio for inspiration.
Join us for gallery exploration and craft activities. Ages 3–5 years, children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential
10–11am and 1–2pmThis guided tour provides an excellent introduction to the Museum, exploring highlights from our permanent exhibition galleries.
The First Australians gallery is located on two levels and traces the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their spirituality, diversity, identity and survival.
The Landmarks gallery is located on two levels and features over 1500 objects. It explores Australian history since European settlement, through stories of Australian places from across the continent.
Take a guided tour with one of our hosts to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their history, culture and connection to country in our largest exhibition gallery.
Travel to Antarctica using the latest 360-degree virtual reality technology and follow in the footsteps of the scientists researching this mysterious continent. Bookings essential. Select your date and time at Eventbrite (booking fees apply)
Explore the National Museum of Australia with our treasure hunt. Can you find our most fascinating objects — old, rare, mysterious or weird? Pick up a free activity sheet from the Information Desk and start searching. Mkids who complete the treasure hunt will be eligible to win some great prizes, including a Museum Shop gift voucher. Join Friends
10–11.30am and 11.30am – 1pmMon to Thurs 15–18 April, Tues to Wed 23–24 April, Fri 26 April
Help artist Tom Buckland make a herd of extinct and imaginary animals from found and recycled materials. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mon to Thurs 15–18 April, Tues to Wed 23–24 April, Fri 26 AprilPlay, read or relax in our chill-out zone or try one of the self-guided activities inspired by the Australian environment. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us to create your own Easter bunny bag, followed by an Easter egg hunt in the Garden of Australian Dreams. Everyone will go home with an egg (or two), and two lucky kids will also receive a special egg from local chocolate makers Jasper+Myrtle. Up to age 12, children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential. Join Friends
Join Dr Susan McIntyre-Tamwoy, James Cook University and Navin Officer Heritage Consultants for Beyond Buildings and Sites: Intangible Cultural Heritage to discuss what it would mean if Australia ratified the 2003 UNESCO Convention. Part of the National Museum of Australia and Canberra Archaeological Society lecture series. Bookings essential. Join Friends
This month’s book is Great South Land by Rob Mundle. For many people, the colonial story of Australia starts with Captain Cook’s ‘discovery’ of the east coast in 1770, but there is long history of European maritime exploration of Australia’s coasts. Great South Land explores this history, beginning some 164 years before Cook’s historic voyage. Bookings essential. Join Friends
The National Museum of Australia acknowledges First Australians and recognises their continuous connection to country, community and culture.
