ReVisit Canberra
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Sometimes we forget just how lucky we are to live in Canberra, with cultural institutions on our doorstep.
So why not play tourist and make a list of places to ‘revisit’? You may just see our hometown with fresh eyes. Take another look.
Australian Parliament House
Chances are, when you think of Parliament House, all the political shenanigans that take place within its walls spring to mind—but there’s so much more to this iconic building than meets the eye.
Political nerds will love a front row seat to Question Time, while design enthusiasts will marvel over the architecture. Take a guided tour for the full experience or explore the gardens.
Australian War Memorial
It’s an awe-inspiring building, and its position—in direct line of sight to Parliament House—serves to remind Australia’s decision-makers of the cost of war. Today, The Australian War Memorial is a special place of remembrance, a testament to sacrifice and an insight into our country’s history.
A diverse line-up of exhibitions currently includes a photo exhibition commemorating 100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force, and tattoos in the Australian military.
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is a living museum of social and political history—an exploration of where our country has come from, and where it’s going.
Imaginative family space PlayUP has hands-on activities to educate, excite and challenge young minds, while adults will be challenged by interactive exhibitions.
Brand new exhibition Hive Mind uncovers the stories of beekeeping at Australia’s Parliament Houses, both old and new, and shares what we could learn from bees on collective decision making for democracy.
National Archives of Australia
Did you know that our nation has a memory? It’s called the National Archives of Australia.
Visitors to the elegant art deco Archives building will be captivated by exhibitions bringing Australia’s history to life, with content ranging from the kitsch covers of formerly banned books to a collection of digitised WWII records and the Constitution.
National Capital Exhibition
Find about more about the city you live in at the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point.
View the only scale model of the National Capital area of Canberra, enjoy a film on the history of our capital and maybe even play a few notes on the bells of the National Carillon. The original keyboard for the Carillon is now part of a display at the National Capital Exhibition.
You can also discover who designed our capital—Walter and Marion Griffin—and pick up a free activity to enjoy as you walk around the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin.
National Film and Sound Archive
The National Film and Sound Archive is the nation’s living archive, with a collection of more than three million items spanning more than 100 years of film, sound and broadcast, and belonging to all Australians.
All meticulously preserved, you can search collections depending on individual interest, or enjoy the rolling program of exhibitions that introduce you to something new. From Kylie Minogue, to Skippy, all your favourite Australians are represented.
National Gallery of Australia
More than 100,000 works of art and world-class exhibitions in one place—including current blockbuster Botticelli to Van Gogh.
See the famous ‘Blue Poles’ by Jackson Pollock or the iconic Ned Kelly series by Sidney Nolan. Discover Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Asian and international art; or take a leisurely stroll through The Sculpture Garden.
Oh, and don’t miss James Turrell’s Skyspace at sunrise or sunset—sit back and marvel at the changing colours of the sky while trying to equate reality with what the artist is imposing on your mind.
National Library of Australia
Don’t let the name fool you—the National Library of Australia is much more than books (although it does have a 10-million-items-and-counting collection).
See an exhibition—Rivers: Lifeblood of Australia and A Nation Imagined are on now—and be sure to visit The Treasures Gallery, where you’ll find everything from maps and rare books to manuscripts, photographs, oil paintings and watercolours.
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum is a Canberra landmark, its bold façade jutting out over the lake. It brings to life the rich and diverse stories of Australia through compelling objects, ideas and events. The focus is on Indigenous histories and cultures, European settlement and our interaction with the environment.
Currently showing is Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion—celebration of Indigenous art, history and culture through contemporary fashion and design which brings together a selection of garments and textiles by First Nations designers and artists from around Australia.
National Portrait Gallery
A common thread runs through the National Portrait Gallery’s diverse collection—the featured artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes and royalty have all shaped our nation in some way. From Nick Cave to Captain Cook, their stories give an insight into Australia’s identity, history, creativity and culture.
Don’t miss Australian Love Stories which explores love, affection and connection in all its guises through more than 200 artworks from across photography, painting, works on paper, small sculpture and an immersive glass installation.
Questacon
With more than 200 interactive exhibits, Questacon has something to engage and excite people of all ages. Little ones will love exploring and splashing in Mini Q’s specially-designed areas, while aspiring scientists can be shaken by an earthquake, witness a lightning strike or lie back and stare up at the moon.
Questacon’s newest hands-on exhibition Australia in Space celebrates the Australian space sector and explores the benefits of space technologies here on Earth.
Royal Australian Mint
A visit to the Royal Australian Mint shouldn’t be reserved for school excursions—this working factory is an energetic and educational destination for all ages.
Watch coins being made, spot Titan, the Mint’s dancing robot whose job it is to pour coins into a hopper, or mint your very own coin!
Ongoing exhibition Treasures of the National Coin Collection showcases some of the rarest, most valuable and most extraordinary coins in Australia, including a 1930 penny, 1 kilogram gold coin and the famous “kookaburra” pennies.
Feature image by Lauren Campbell: Napier Waller I’ll put a girdle round about the earth 1933 (detail), oil on canvas, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Purchased 1979. © Estate of Napier Waller.
