Where Australia's stories come alive
Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the stunning architecture of the National Museum of Australia in Canberra provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people.
There is always something unique to see and do at the Museum, with an exciting calendar of world-class touring exhibitions, events, school holiday programs and festivals.
See what’s on and make the most of your next visit.
Our building
Slideshow
The National Museum of Australia was designed by architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall and Robert Peck von Hartel Trethowan, who won an international design competition in 1997. The building’s non-traditional, postmodern structure reflects the diversity of the Australian experience.
The Museum's central Garden of Australian Dreams weaves together elements that identify place and country, creating a rich landscape of symbols and meanings.
Our galleries
See fascinating and surprising objects from our collection inside our galleries. Discover the story of the vast, vibrant Australian continent in our Great Southern Land gallery, and explore the shared stories and experiences of First Nations peoples in the First Australians gallery.
Combined with our popular lakeside cafe and one-of-a-kind shop, our award-winning Museum is a must-see for every visitor to Canberra.
Highlights
- Unique location on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin In the centre of Canberra
- Award-winning waterfront cafe with lake views
- Australian Tourism Award-winning shop of quality gifts and mementos
- Customised tours available on request
Our visitor experiences
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or a coffee, with delicious cakes and pastries, light meals and daily specials featuring the season's best produce.
Everything we sell at our award-winning shop has a story to tell. Discover a range of homewares, glassware, jewellery, First Nations arts and crafts, toys and much more.
Explore our fun and immersive space, fostering play-based learning, in an inclusive and adventurous setting.
Enjoy this place of welcome, with native plantings, a firestone and an amphitheatre for performances and events.
Our exclusive tours
Explore the Museum’s biggest histories during this private 1.5 hour tour with an expert Museum curator. After your tour, enjoy a meal with a wine, beer or drink at a reserved table in our waterfront cafe. After, indulge at our award-winning shop with a 10% discount. Available on request by booking at least 2 weeks' in advance weekdays (except public holidays).
Discover where Australia’s stories come alive in this private one-hour guided tour. Enjoy lunch and a drink at our stunning lakeside cafe before or after your tour then indulge at our Australian Tourism Award-winning Museum Shop with a 10% discount. Available on request by booking in advance.
Traverse the vast, vibrant Australian continent on this 45-minute tour of the Museum’s environmental history gallery, Great Southern Land.
Departs daily. This one-hour guided tour explores the stories and meanings hidden in the Museum building, design and landscapes.
Departs daily. This one-hour guided tour explores highlights from our permanent galleries and provides an excellent introduction to the Museum.
Departs daily. This one-hour guided tour provides an insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ histories and cultures.
All guided tours are a fully commissionable product for approved travel agents. Prices valid until 31 March 2025.
| Tour product | Adult gross | Adult net (20%) | Concession gross | Concession net (20%) | Child (5–16) gross | Child (5–16) net (20%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Big Histories 2–10 pax | $150 | $120 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
Ultimate Museum Experience 1–20 pax | $62 | $50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
Great Southern Land 10–20 pax | $20 | $16 | $10 | $8 | $10 | $8 |
|
Museum Highlights 1–20 pax | $20 | $16 | $10 | $8 | $10 | $8 |
|
Building and Architecture 1–20 pax | $20 | $16 | $10 | $8 | $10 | $8 |
|
First Australians 1–20 pax | $20 | $16 | $10 | $8 | $10 | $8 |
| Pompeii exhibition tickets | $25 | $20 | $20 | $16 | $12.50 | $10 |
Please see the Pompeii exhibition wholesale ticket terms and conditions.
There is no charge for children 0–4 years.
Venue hire
With its stunning architecture and location, the Museum is an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events, gala balls, cocktail functions, lakeside dining and school formals. The Museum has an abundance of natural light and combines impressive indoor and outdoor spaces to provide a magnificent backdrop for any function.
- Download Venue hire kit5.2 mb pdf [ PDF | 5.2 mb ]
Tourism information
This snapshot in Mandarin provides general information on Museum highlights and tours.
- Download Mandarin Museum snapshot6.7 mb pdf [ PDF | 6.7 mb ]
Tourism reservations and bookings
Email: tourism@nma.gov.au
Phone: +61 2 6208 5014
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