As the nation’s capital, high-quality museums are to be expected. Canberra is the symbolic centre of Australian culture and knowledge, and their museums reflect exactly that.
The National Museum of Australia not only serves as a place for Australian stories to thrive, but the location is simply beautiful. Set on the Acton Peninsula, visiting the museum offers more than the artefacts, but the reflective waters of Lake Burley Griffin. There’s even the Garden of Australian Dreams, an outdoor area with a to-scale stylized map of a piece of central Australia for a breath of fresh air that doubles as a display. Although this is one of Australia’s newest museums, it measures up to state museums across the country in its interactivity, collections and research; plus, we would say its location beats all of them.
Questacon is the award-winning National Science and Technology Centre, found near the Parliament buildings. This is the perfect place to visit with kids, as interactive displays and exhibitions keep them entertained while they learn about science concepts, but we still love the experience as adults. The live shows are particularly entertaining, and you might even see an explosion. Nearby Questacon is the National Library of Australia for something a little more toned down, with an excellent café and passionate guides to lead you through their exhibitions. The Treasures Gallery conveniently displays the most significant collection items all in one spot.
Another one that’s a hit with the kids is the National Dinosaur Museum at Gold Creek Village. About 20 minutes from the city, this museum holds the largest display of prehistoric life in Australia. The Dinosaur Garden with dinosaur models is a favourite among younger visitors, but the real draw are the exhibits inside. Some fossils here are up to 700 million years old, and the history of life on Earth is made accessible to all visitors via its murals and chronological exhibitions.
Perhaps more geared to adults, the Museum of Australian Democracy is another Canberra staple. One of the most interesting aspects of this museum is its establishment within the Old Parliament House. From 1927 to 1988 it was the home of the federal government, and now houses the museum, where visitors can explore the different rooms, like the Prime Minister’s Suite and House of Representatives Chamber. This museum is one of the most important in the nation, and best experienced with a guide. Most locals would learn something new about our democracy by visiting the halls of the iconic heritage building.
The National Film and Sound Archive is found in Acton’s cultural precinct, home to audio-visual artefacts and screenings of classic films. This is a short visit, easily paired with a visit to the National Museum of Australia, a 15-minute walk away (or four-minute bus ride). The National Archives of Australia are also an interesting visit, with informative exhibits based on the hundreds of thousands of Australian historical documents collected by the archive.