Canberra is a mecca for lovers of culture, and this doesn’t only apply to political history. The art galleries in Canberra are nationally recognised and regarded as top quality, but their collections speak for themselves.
The National Gallery of Australia is located on Lake Burley Griffin’s shores, and specializes in fine art. More than 155 000 works by more than 15 000 artists are on show, with the feature being the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art in the world. Their international exhibit is just as impressive, the centerpiece being Jackson Pollock’s iconic Blue Poles. This gallery is a must for any art lover, with recognisable artwork paired with contemporary pieces that’ll blow you away.
The National Portrait Gallery is next door, and is just that; a portrait gallery. Portraits here include politicians, royalty and artists, but further musicians, athletes and entertainers, so you’re bound to recognise someone. Hugh Jackman and Nick Cave’s portraits always draw a crowd. A visit here opens you up to new faces and stories of the people featured, an impactful visit that can’t be replicated by the other galleries. It’s a smaller gallery, so a perfect trip to tack onto the end of a visit to the massive National Gallery of Australia.
You’ll find another amazing gallery in the city centre at the Canberra Museum and Gallery. This London Circuit institution is renowned for The Nolan Collection, where over 140 works by the famed artist Sidney Nolan are displayed, including the Ned Kelly series, where Nolan depicts Kelly’s iconic helmet. Many of their exhibitions explore Nolan’s life and works, but CMAG is full of other interesting collections, like the Rimbaud/Cezanne series, ceramics, costume and dress, and ACT heritage.