National Museum of Australia Museum

Address: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Website: https://www.nma.gov.au

Hours: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm

Admission: General admission free; special exhibitions A$10-A$25

The National Museum of Australia is a national institution in Canberra that opened in 2001 to tell the story of Australia through history, Indigenous cultures and national identity. The building is known for its distinctive contemporary architecture and landscape design.

Permanent exhibitions cover Indigenous histories and cultures, national narratives and environmental themes, with interpretive displays, audio-visual media and large artefacts. The museum’s contemporary architecture and outdoor landscaping on the Acton Peninsula are also points of interest for visitors and photographers.

Temporary exhibitions frequently bring major loans or focused thematic shows on Australian history, technology and social change. The museum’s proximity to Lake Burley Griffin and other national institutions makes it easy to combine with other Canberra attractions.

The museum was established to consolidate and present national collections and narratives about Australia; the present building and galleries opened to the public in 2001. The design and exhibition approach emphasise multiple perspectives on national history, including First Nations viewpoints.

Located on the Acton Peninsula of central Canberra beside Lake Burley Griffin, the museum sits near Parliament House and the concentration of national institutions and galleries in the Australian Capital Territory.

• Location tip: Sited on the Acton Peninsula beside Lake Burley Griffin, the museum is close to Parliament House and other national institutions in central Canberra.

What to See#

• Galleries: A series of permanent and temporary galleries that explore Indigenous Australian histories, social and political developments, and the continent’s environment and identity.
• Site and architecture: The building occupies the Acton Peninsula on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and is notable for its unconventional, symbolic exterior design.
• Public and outdoor spaces: Public spaces and outdoor exhibits that connect the museum to the lake shore and nearby national institutions in Canberra.

From Canberra city centre: a 10-15 minute walk along the lakeside from Civic (the city centre), or take ACTION bus routes 2 or 3 to the Museum stop. Driving: turn off Commonwealth Avenue onto King Edward Terrace and follow signs to Acton Peninsula. Limited on-site parking; cycle paths link from the city.

• Arrive early morning (opening) to avoid school groups and to catch softer light on Lake Burley Griffin from the rooftop terrace.
• Start with the Finders Gallery-its looping timelines and oral-history clips give context for the oddities on display.
• Buy special-exhibition tickets in advance; popular shows (Indigenous photography, political cartoons) sell out.
• Combine a visit with a walk along the lake-there's a riverside path and cafés a 5-10 minute stroll away.