Daily 75-minute sessions: 9.15am, 10.45am, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3.30pmThis fun, immersive play and learn space is designed for children of all abilities from birth to 6 years, their families and carers. Every session includes free, child-led activities in our mini makers corner.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday hourly from 10.15am to 3.15pmBe transported to one of the world’s most breathtaking and pristine landscapes in The Great Kimberley Wilderness – a 35-minute virtual reality documentary narrated by Luke Hemsworth.
First Tuesday of the monthExplore 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.
Our Story sheds light on the little-known history of Aboriginal and Chinese relations in colonial Australia. Curated by artist and researcher Zhou Xiaoping, the exhibition draws on historical records and oral histories to bring these untold stories into the collective consciousness of all Australians.
The man from the moon has landed at the MuseumThis exhibition explores the creative world of Norman Hetherington, the remarkable artist, cartoonist and puppeteer behind Mr Squiggle and Friends.
Play is a new display of objects from the Museum’s rich collection of toys, many well-worn and once treasured. See if you recognise your own childhood and the enduring joy of play. See if you recognise your own childhood and the enduring joy of play.
Join us in Mr Squiggle and Friends for a quiet hours session with reduced noise and sensory experiences.
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Norman Hetherington, artist, performer and creator of Mr Squiggle. Featuring Norman’s daughter, Rebecca Hetherington, grandson Tom Hetherington-Welch and Museum curator Danielle Cassar, in conversation with Alex Sloan AM. Includes audience Q+A and Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition viewing.
Play free at the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre in recognition of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. For children of all abilities from birth to 6 years, their families and carers.
Don’t miss this special book club event! Join Professor Clare Wright OAM, author, historian and Chair of the Council of the National Museum, for our August meeting. The third book in her Democracy Trilogy, this important Australian work is a personal and engaging narrative of the bark petitions created by the Yolngu people at Yirrkala in north-east Arnhem Land in 1963, protesting mining on traditional lands. Exclusive to Friends. Join Friends
Join Senior Conservator Kerryn Wagg and Senior Curator Danielle Cassar to go behind-the-scenes of our Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition and hear how Norman’s spectacular painted stage backdrop from his 1950 play, The Reluctant Dragon, was prepared for display. Free and exclusive to Friends, bookings essential. 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.
10amThis 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.
3–4pmTake 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.
Daily at 9am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pmTraverse the vast, vibrant Australian continent on this tour of the Museum’s environmental history gallery, Great Southern Land.
Tuesdays and Thursdays during ACT school termEnjoy free 15-minute story time sessions in the workshop next to the Discovery Centre. Drop-in, places are limited.
2-hour tours leaving at 11am and 2pmJoin 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 the garden and across Australia.
2-hour tour leaving at 10amJoin 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 the garden and across Australia.
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The National Museum of Australia acknowledges First Australians and recognises their continuous connection to Country, community and culture.
