Art and Dementia

A man holding a paper aeroplane is about to throw it. He is pully a silly face and having fun.

Key information

The Gallery’s Art and Dementia program connects people living with dementia and their care partners with art and the world in enriching and life-enhancing ways.

For over a decade, the Gallery has been a leader in programs for people living with dementia through research, symposia and an extensive outreach training program that has established a nation-wide network of galleries delivering high-quality, socially engaging and intellectually stimulating programs for people living with dementia.

Art and Dementia is made possible by the National Gallery’s Access Partner the Lansdowne Foundation.

Research Outreach Training Workshop

Programs

Related

Visit

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The National Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm daily (closed Christmas Day). Free entry ticket is required.

Parking & Transport

The Gallery is located in the heart of Canberra, near Parliament House. Paid parking applies on weekdays and weekends until 5pm in the main carpark.

Plan Your Visit
Accessibility

Visitor in wheelchair observing art in Monet: Impression Sunrise

The National Gallery has Access services available for all visitors.

Article

Art & Friends
For people living with dementia

Photograph of man sitting and woman standing looking at artmaking

Connecting people living with dementia to art can be life-enhancing. Find out how the National Gallery has helped lead the way for industry programs.

Read Time: 10 minutes

For people who are autistic, neurodiverse, or who have social anxiety

Photograph of two women laughing and making art at a table.

Sensory Sunday welcomes teens and young adults, their families and support people to the Gallery on the first Sunday of each month.

For people who are recovering their mental health

a man and a woman sit on opposite sides of an easel set up in a gallery space

Start a creative journey through discussion and art making to support wellbeing and social confidence.

For people who are carers

a group of people, some in wheelchairs, sit around a sculpture listening to a guide

Join with carers from across the region to spend a social hour engaging with art through tours and art making activities.

For people who are Blind or with low vision

Photograph of two visitors facing artworks with companion dog by side

A suite of access programs for people who are Blind or with low vision.

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Photograph of group in front of artwork

Each month join an Auslan sign-interpreted tour of major exhibitions or works of art in the Gallery’s collection.

For people with disability

A group of people and two guide dogs sit looking at sculptures of humans woven with native grasses

Each quarter people with disabilities and their families and carers can join a small group tour of major exhibitions or the national collection.