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.
Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland is the third in a three-part exhibition series that captures generations of cultural knowledge shaped by a profound relationship to Country. Featuring works from Mossman Gorge, Weipa, Mapoon, Napranum, Wujal Wujal and Pormpuraaw.
Step inside Pompeii and discover life in the ancient city before the fateful eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago. Pompeii is an extraordinary new immersive experience that combines captivating soundscapes and large-scale digital projections with over 90 remarkable objects from the ancient city.
This exhibition brings together objects held in the Museum’s collection to explore the long reach of the classical past and its influence in Australia.
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.
Play free at the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre in recognition of International Day of Happiness. For children of all abilities from birth to 6 years, their families and carers.
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.
Wednesdays from 12 February to 9 April 2025Travel back in time to the vibrant world of ancient Pompeii through age-appropriate play. Play house with objects we have in common with the ancient Romans, use water painting to create communal fresco-style artworks, and dig through kinetic sand to reveal lost treasures. Suitable for children aged 2–5 years. Children must be supervised by accompanying adult.
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.
Join us in Pompeii for a quiet hours session with reduced noise and sensory experiences, on the first Tuesday of each month.
Be swept away to the south of Italy for an evening of culture and cuisine with Silvia Colloca. Indulge in a stunning three course Italian long-table feast with a menu designed by Silvia and paired with locally grown Italian varietal wines. Sip on a cocktail as Silvia’s operatic voice fills the Gandel Atrium. Includes a lively panel conversation and an exclusive viewing of the Pompeii exhibition.
The Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Sleeping Stories is a showcase of contemporary Australian music inspired by ancient stories, performed in our stunning Gandel Atrium. The program features Peggy Polias’s ‘Cameo’ inspired by Pompeii, alongside exciting new works from Alice Chance, Jane Seldon, Nardi Simpson and Christopher Sainsbury.
Join author Shannyn Palmer to discuss her colossal work of history, a book that seeks to unmake mythologies of pioneers, pastoralism and possession in the Northern Territory. This is the first time we’ll welcome an author to Book Club. Exclusive to Friends. Join Friends
The colourful language of love, desire and politics inscribed on Pompeii’s ancient walls reveals the underbelly of Roman life and brings the city’speople to life. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the graffiti of Pompeii with Roman historian Professor Caillan Davenport and National Museum curator Dr Lily Withycombe. Recommended for audiences 18+.
Immerse yourself in classical style with senior curator Kate Morschel. Kate will examine a beautiful collection of objects currently on display in the Gandel Atrium, that represent the long reach of the classical past and its influence in Australia. Exclusive to Friends. Join Friends
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The National Museum of Australia acknowledges First Australians and recognises their continuous connection to Country, community and culture.
