National Museum Of Australia

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!