The Top 5 Things To Do and See in Central Canberra, Australia
![Discover Indigenous art at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/canberra-true.webp)
Canberra takes its role as Australia’s capital city very seriously. Not only is it the seat of parliament, it also has many of the country’s finest arts and cultural institutions clustered in the central Parliamentary Triangle and on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
These galleries and museums showcase some of Australia’s finest artists of all genres while also exploring the history of the country and its place in the world. Even better, many of these national institutions are free to visit. Here are some of the best that central Canberra has to offer.
National Gallery of Australia
Art Gallery
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/resize.webp)
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Art Gallery
![Inside Old Parliament House in Canberra, now the Museum of Australian Democracy; Senate Chamber.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/fj49b5.webp)
This gallery, housed in the historic Old Parliament House, focusses on the role of democracy in the lives of Australians. The yearly Behind the Lines exhibit of the year’s best political cartoons has become an annual favourite. Other regular exhibitions explore themes such as the importance of a free press, Indigenous history, women’s voting rights and the lives of Australia’s prime ministers. Many of the displays are interactive, and the museum encourages visitors to consider their own involvement in the democratic process. The gardens around Old Parliament House are beautifully maintained and especially stunning in spring when the wisteria and roses are at their best.
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Art Gallery
![Prod DB © McElroy & McElroy / DR PICNIC A HANGING ROCK PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK de Peter Weir 1975 AUST. Anne-Louise Lambert (as Anne Lambert). dapres](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/prxyah.webp)
Exploring the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is a delight. Encompassing the country’s cinematic history, its collection features everything from black-and-white short films dating back to 1899 to video games, television advertisements, radio and other carefully curated items. You can view costumes and props from classics such as Muriel’s Wedding (1994), The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) and Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975). There is rare vintage footage of pioneering women cricket players from the 1930s and an exhibition focussing on the historic events of the 1960s. The archives are responsible for preserving more than 3 million items and consider themselves the protectors of Australia’s living history. The Arc Cinema, housed in the same building, regularly shows vintage Australian and international films; check its website for details.
National Portrait Gallery
Art Gallery
![The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra Australia Capital Territory](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/gettyimages-1140492609.webp)
The National Portrait Gallery is dedicated to telling stories through the medium of portraiture. Each gallery encompasses a particular era or style; for example, the Facing New Worlds exhibit is dedicated to early portraits, depicting the complicated relationship between European settlers and Indigenous Australians. The Tim Fairfax Gallery covers the second half of the 20th century and has a particular focus on social change, activism and protest in Australia. Visitors will also enjoy seeing famous faces showcased a little different in some of the contemporary galleries. Find the Pop art portrait of Nick Cave, or discover the tiny details of movement in Cate Blanchett’s video portrait.
National Museum of Australia
Museum
![Entrance to the National Museum of Australia, Canberra](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/gettyimages-1177552055.webp)