Canberra Things to Do Museums & Galleries

The 8 Best Museums & Galleries in Canberra (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 picks

The best museums in Canberra in 2026 are the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, Questacon for hands-on science, the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Most of them are free to enter.

Canberra holds the nation's great collections, and most are free, with charges only for special exhibitions. Most of them sit around Lake Burley Griffin in the Parliamentary Triangle at Parkes, within walking distance of each other; the War Memorial is across the lake at Campbell, and the National Museum on Acton Peninsula. Allow at least two full days. For more, see our Canberra attractions guide.

1. Australian War Memorial — Campbell

A shrine, museum and archive that tells Australia's story of war.

Best for Families · First-timers

The Australian War Memorial combines a commemorative shrine, a museum and a research archive at the top of Anzac Parade, looking down the axis to Parliament House. Its galleries cover every conflict Australia has fought in, from Gallipoli to Afghanistan.

The daily Last Post Ceremony at closing time is deeply moving.

Good to know: Stay for the Last Post Ceremony at the end of the day.

Treloar Crescent, Campbell ACT 2612

Google Maps Website

2. National Gallery of Australia — Parkes

The nation's art collection, from Aboriginal art to Pollock's Blue Poles.

Best for Couples · Families

The National Gallery of Australia holds the national art collection, including major First Nations art, Australian painting and international works such as Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles, with a sculpture garden on the lakeshore.

Entry to the collection is free.

Good to know: Walk the sculpture garden down to the lake.

Parkes Place, Parkes ACT 2600

Google Maps Website

3. National Museum of Australia — Acton Peninsula

Australia's social history, in a striking building on the lake.

Best for Families · First-timers

The National Museum of Australia, in a bold, colourful building on Acton Peninsula, tells the stories of Australia's people, land and First Nations cultures, with strong family exhibits.

Its lakeside setting is lovely for a walk.

Good to know: Check the family programme for school holidays.

Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Acton ACT 2601

Google Maps Website

4. Questacon — Parkes

The National Science and Technology Centre, packed with hands-on exhibits.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families

Questacon has hundreds of interactive science exhibits across its galleries, including a free-fall slide and lightning shows, and is one of Canberra's most popular attractions for families.

Allow two to three hours.

Good to know: Book tickets ahead in school holidays.

King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600

Google Maps Website

5. National Portrait Gallery — Parkes

Portraits of the people who shaped Australia.

Best for Couples

The National Portrait Gallery, in a light-filled building beside the High Court, displays portraits of Australians from explorers and politicians to sports stars and artists.

It is free and easy to combine with the National Gallery next door.

Good to know: Its café is a good lunch stop in the Parliamentary Triangle.

King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600

Google Maps Website

6. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House — Parkes

Explore the parliament building used from 1927 to 1988.

$ BudgetBest for Families · First-timers

Old Parliament House, home of the federal parliament from 1927 to 1988, is now the Museum of Australian Democracy, where you can sit in the old chambers and the Prime Minister's office.

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy stands on the lawns opposite.

Good to know: Combine with a visit to the new Parliament House up the hill.

18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600

Google Maps Website

7. National Library of Australia — Parkes

Treasures from the national collection, free to see.

Best for Couples

The National Library of Australia's Treasures Gallery displays highlights of the national collection, from Captain Cook's Endeavour journal to rare maps and manuscripts.

Its reading rooms and lakeside café are open to all.

Good to know: The Treasures Gallery is free; check what is on display.

Parkes Place, Parkes ACT 2600

Google Maps Website

8. National Film and Sound Archive — Acton

Australia's screen and sound heritage, in an Art Deco building.

Best for Couples

The National Film and Sound Archive, in the former Australian Institute of Anatomy building, holds Australia's audiovisual heritage, with exhibitions and film screenings in its Arc cinema.

It is a short walk from the National Museum.

Good to know: Check the Arc cinema programme for evening screenings.

McCoy Circuit, Acton ACT 2601

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Are Canberra's museums free?

Most are free to enter, including the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery, National Museum, National Portrait Gallery and National Library. Questacon and the Museum of Australian Democracy charge admission, and special exhibitions may too.

How long do you need at the Australian War Memorial?

At least half a day. Stay for the Last Post Ceremony, held at the end of each day, when the story of one person on the Roll of Honour is told.

What is the best museum in Canberra for kids?

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, with hundreds of hands-on exhibits, is the favourite; the National Museum also has strong family programmes.

Can you walk between Canberra's museums?

Yes. The National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, Questacon, National Library and Old Parliament House are all within a short walk of each other in Parkes. The War Memorial and National Museum are a short drive or bus ride away.

Is Parliament House open to visitors?

Yes. Parliament House is free to visit, with tours and public galleries when parliament sits; it is up the hill from Old Parliament House.

1. Australian War Memorial — Campbell

2. National Gallery of Australia — Parkes

3. National Museum of Australia — Acton Peninsula

4. Questacon — Parkes

5. National Portrait Gallery — Parkes

6. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House — Parkes

7. National Library of Australia — Parkes

8. National Film and Sound Archive — Acton

Frequently asked questions

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