Calendar

11am and 2pm daily from 27 September to 13 October
Discover the stories and magic behind one of Australia’s most original and creative minds on this 45-minute host-led tour of the Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition.

Daily 75-minute sessions: 9.15am, 10.45am, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3.30pm
This 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.

Daily until 13 October on the hour from 10.15am to 3.15pm
Be 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 month
Explore the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre in quiet hours sessions 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 Museum
This 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.

Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October, drop in between 10am–12pm
Get creative these school holidays making wacky sock puppets! Craft your own puppet friends using a variety of materials. Discover the world of hand and glove puppets while decorating your sock, and experience the magic of puppetry with beloved puppeteer Marianne Mettes. Suitable for children aged 5–12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 October, 10am–12pm
These fun-filled workshops explore sustainable design with designers from the Alastair Swayn Foundation. Learn about Norman Hetherington’s approach to sustainability in the Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition, then make your own creations using recycled materials. Suitable for children aged 8–12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Join us in Mr Squiggle and Friends for a quiet hours session with reduced noise and sensory experiences.

Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October, 10am–12.30pm
Join designers from the Alastair Swayn Foundation for an introduction to design, sustainability and creative problem solving. Draw inspiration from the Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition to transform recycled materials into your own creations. Suitable for children aged 12–17 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday 10 October, 10.30–11.10am, 12.30–1.10pm, 2.30–3.10pm
Help solve a mystery in this interactive puppet detective show from the Little Wing Puppets. Learn about the habits of the Australian satin bowerbird and follow one on his journey to find love. Suitable for children aged 3–10 years.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meet the Museum’s curator Danielle Cassar for an engaging talk and afternoon tea, before exploring the exhibition at your own pace without the crowds. Exclusive to Friends. Join Friends

Play free at the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre as part of the Canberra Writers Festival and enjoy story time with Ursula Dubosarsky (9.30am), Sophie Gillies (11am), Stephanie Owen Reeder (12.30pm) and Rhiân Williams (2.15pm). For children of all abilities from birth to 6 years, their families and carers.

Sail the seas with Trim the cat and create your own book! Listen to author Ursula Dubosarsky as she takes you on a journey with Trim, the star of a new picture book from the Museum. Bring your imagination and join Ursula to create your own book featuring Trim. For ages 4–8 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult (adults free).

Meet Andra Putnis, author and artistic director of the Canberra Writers Festival. Her debut book plunges into occupied Latvia during the Second World War and the secret lives of her grandmothers, who migrate to Australia. Exclusive to Friends. Join Friends

10.30–11.30am and 1–2pm
From encounters between First Nations peoples and those on board the Endeavour, to Covid-19 and Climate Strikes, Landmarks explores the moments and objects that define the Australian nation. Join our curators to hear the evolving story of the newly refreshed gallery. 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.

10am
This 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.

3–4pm
Take 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, 4pm
Traverse the vast, vibrant Australian continent on this tour of the Museum’s environmental history gallery, Great Southern Land.

Join us for the first CWF kids and young adult fiction day, with an action-packed line-up of interactive sessions and workshops with writing and drawing superstars and local heroes. From picture book magic to primary-aged series and teen fiction, this day celebrates reading for families and kids of all ages!

2-hour tours leaving at 12pm and 2.30pm
Join 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 around Australia.