National Museum of Australia

Had the best experience at this museum. Staff on arrival were kind and gave us a map. It was no cost to enter. The cafe was lovely, pricey as expected but good quality food. The museum itself was incredible, I practically had to be dragged away. Incredible history

The National Museum of Australia is beautifully located next to Lake Burley Griffin, which makes the visit even more enjoyable. The museum has a very modern architectural style and well-designed exhibitions. There is a café on site where you can relax and enjoy the lake views. Some exhibitions and events are ticketed, while the outdoor areas and general spaces are free to access, which is a great option if you just want a casual visit or a walk around. Parking is available and convenient. Overall, a well-organised and interesting place to visit, whether you’re there for culture, events, or just the location.

I have now visited the museum more than once. A bit of time had passed since I visited in 2023, and I am quite surprised that they have extended the exhibition. The museum feels very grand and showcases Australia‘s beautiful diversity, forces of nature, history and also manages to deliver this in a very professional and creative way. The videos and sound effects are truly stunning. I love how detailed and well-rounded the exhibition felt. I visited on a Monday evening and was almost the only person there.

The National Museum of Australia is a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the complex and colorful history of this country. The location on the Acton Peninsula is beautiful, especially if you take a moment to walk along the lake before heading inside. • Incredible Collection: Seeing Phar Lap’s heart and the old Holden prototype in person is a real treat. The way the museum mixes these popular icons with deep social histories makes the experience feel very personal. • Indigenous History: The "First Australians" gallery is exceptional. It is one of the most comprehensive displays I have seen, focusing on both ancient traditions and modern stories with great care. • Architectural Design: The building is a work of art. The Gandel Atrium with its sweeping curves is stunning, and the "Garden of Australian Dreams" in the center is a very cool, surreal space to walk through. • Great for Kids: We spent a lot of time in the Discovery Centre. It is a high-quality play space that actually teaches kids about the land while they play. • Cafe with a View: We finished the day with coffee on the deck overlooking the water. The views of the lake and the city are some of the best in Canberra. Even if you aren't a "museum person," the architecture and the lakefront setting make it worth a visit. Just be sure to grab a map at the entrance, as the winding halls are part of the fun but can be a little disorienting! Note: Paid parking onsite.

A very modern, attractive and espectacular look from the outside, this museum welcomes you with a big, fresh and spacious reception. Very big on the inside and with a carefully curated set of galleries that walk you through some of the developing moments of Australia, from the aboriginal and western points of view. With stories and knowledge of old and wise aboriginal ancestors, through the landing and colonial stage to the days of modern Country. With great spaces for itinerant exhibitions is a great place to know about the past and present.

I visited here on new year day and was amazed to see how beautiful it was. There were three different exhibitions and enlightened not just about Australia but the aboriginal culture as well. A great place for family outing and kids will definitely love it. The gift shop was quite big and just few minutes walk to the lake makes it even more better. Not to forget the staff were amazing.

A very interesting museum that is well presented in showing Australian life and how it has changed from before white man arrived to now. Everything from climate farming and Australian way of life is discussed. It leaves you wondering as an Australian the impact we have had on the land and how well it wa maintained by aboriginals before we arrived.

A fantastic place to visit in Canberra. The museum is very well curated and offers deep insight into Australian history, culture, and Indigenous heritage. The exhibits are engaging, informative, and suitable for both adults and kids. The building itself is architecturally interesting, and the surrounding area is lovely for a walk. Definitely worth spending a few hours here. Free entry and free parking during weekends

I guess I can only comment on my covid experience but all in all was a bit disappointed. Not really the museums fault but covid meant most exhibitions were closed and where it is opened you need to prebook to get in. Well we didn't book. We got there and we couldn't get in any exhibition so basically got nothing to do. Aside from the exhibitions, there's surprisingly little things to see. Lovely environment and a nice big car park though.

Why is it the countless times I have been to Canberra I've only just discovered this place? Had to kill some time with daughter in tow and I always wondered what this colorful museum was about. For starters, it is FREE. Amazing. Great cafe and gift shop too. There is a theatre to watch the history of Australia, lots of multi-media exhibits to learn about Australia as well. Love the autobiographical section, with its domed audio recordings. They also featured the Azaria Chamberlain story ("a dingo ate my baby"). Outside, there is a water feature, although I don't think you can wade in it. Also beautiful grounds and fantastic Aboriginal displays. Next time I'm in Canberra, will probably stop in again!

This museum is such a great place to get an engaging overview of Australia's history and Canberra's role in it. Just to name a few, there are sections on European settlers, Aboriginal traditions, big bush fires and various ecosystems across the country. Not to mention, they've got Pharlap's Heart on display downstairs! Now that I've been a few times, I prefer to come when they've got a new exhibition on--I've learned so much about Australian of the Year nominees, Paralympians and Miss Universe competitors--who would have thought?! The gift shop here is also incredibly diverse and well stocked. As museums go, this one is relatively large, so you can easily pass a whole afternoon. However, the cafe is rather expensive, so bring your own snacks. There are generous windows in the main lobby which overlook the lake, so the people watching is also superb. Highly recommend!

An excellent place to get an overview of life in Australia, from thousands of years ago to present day. Overseas visitors will get a lot out of it, and locals too will learn about their own country. Lots of exhibits, displays, and some hands-on stuff to keep the kids occupied as well. You need about 3-4 hours here to get the most out of it. Worth visiting!

I have to admit that it is annoying to get to if you choose to do a tourist walk. However, it is worth your time. Inside you will be met by friendly museum assistants, exciting exhibits of Australia and our travel as a nation. Be kind and donate!

Excellent for kids/school children. Lots of learning opportunities. Does not compare w other national museums. National museum in London or DC much better, but this is a new project and will grow. Much bigger on explanation than artifacts. Sense a good bit of guilt laden feelings the native peoples. Nice museum but not a spectacle, give it some time.

What a wacky, wild, and cool museum this is. Many tours available for many parts of it. The one I enjoyed the most was the Garden of Australian Dreams. It's a very, very interpretative garden (kudos to you if you get everything that is going on here without someone explaining things to you) and well worth a visit. I wish I had more time to see and visit but it just means I'll stop by again next time I'm in Canberra.

This museum is one of if not the best museum I have ever been too. There is so much history under one roof it is unbelievable. The history goes back to the late 1700s and includes almost everything leading up to modern day. You'll never complete it in one day with everything that they've got going on here. All around it is a great place to visit but I'd plan at least 2 days just to see everything.

Excellent museum!! I tend to get overwhelmed when I go to museums with the plethora of captions to read, but this one was very visitor-friendly. And interesting! I'm from the US so it was neat to learn so much about Australia and its history. Although the museum is free, I went ahead and paid the additional $10 for an hour long tour. He took me through the museum, showing me the highlights of each gallery, but not only that, he also explained the significance of the building itself. It's amazing how much thought went in to the design of this building! From the knot shaped main hall (representing unity of the Australian people from different origins) to the huge loop out front (called the "Uluru line" representing the connection between the Aboriginal past and the modern Parliamentary Australia) to the windows in the ceilings that are in the shape of the Eucalyptus leaves. After a nice 3 hours in the museum, I enjoyed sitting outside at the tables overlooking the Lake. It was an excellent visit!

Awesome and free. Great options, wifi, and make sure to download the app as it will walk you through the museum with commentaries. It's a personal guide.

Wonderful museum - cafe awful (eat before you arrive). Museum staff are great. Cafe staff are rude and condescending.

It IS free and that is exciting BUT it is also a little dull and underwhelming. The War Memorial and National Gallery and Old Parliament House are much better tourist attractions - go there first!

I find Museums can get a bit tedious and boring, but not this one! It's super interactive, you are encouraged to touch and play with things and the tour guides are so bubbly and upbeat. There are lots of school groups going through all the time, but the museum is so big that you don't even notice them all. Even adults are encouraged to play with the exhibits. My favourite is actual shackles that you can put on your hands and ankles; those things are super heavy and impressive!