Visit

Gallery Changes

To celebrate our 40th birthday in October, we are working on new collection presentations and exhibitions. Critical building upgrades will also enhance your visitor experience. During this time some galleries are closed.

The Collection

The Gallery’s evolving collection comprises over 155,000 works of art, including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Its heritage-listed Brutalist building has expansive exhibition galleries located across three levels.

Sculpture Garden

Located on Lake Burley Griffin, the Gallery grounds encompass the lakeside Sculpture Garden, Australian Garden and Skyspace Garden. The gardens feature almost 30 works of art by prominent sculptors, including James Turrell’s stupa-form Skyspace — one his most elaborate – and Fujiko Nakaya’s immersive fog sculpture.

Art Store

The Art Store features a unique range of products, books and gifts, including artist collaborations and art-inspired exclusives. Located on the Ground Level near the main entrance, self-service cloaking is also available at the Store. Open 10am – 5pm, every day except Christmas Day.

Dining

Visit the Street Café for great coffee, delicious sweet and savoury snacks, and light lunch options (open Mon to Fri 8am – 4pm and Sat to Sun 9.30am – 4pm), and during major exhibitions enjoy lunch in the Gallery's Dining Room.

Kids & Families

The National Gallery is family friendly and offers a range of experiences for the whole family. Take a trail of the Sculpture Garden or come along to our monthly Super Sunday events. We also have a range of inclusive public programs designed to inspire creativity and learning.

Members Lounge

Members and their guests can relax in the Members Lounge, overlooking the Sculpture Garden and Lake Burley Griffin. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as you browse a range of the Gallery’s exhibition catalogues. Another great reason to become a Member!

Research Library & Archives

Our specialist art library houses the most comprehensive collection of visual arts literature in Australia, documenting the history of our nation’s art and culture. We welcome visiting researchers by appointment.

The Day of the Week
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday tend to have lower visitation than other days, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days.

Time of Day
Early morning can be busy compared to early afternoon. For a quieter visit, we recommend visiting after 2pm.

School Visits
During the school year the National Gallery facilitates school groups from Monday to Friday. It is not uncommon to see groups of up to 20 students touring the galleries with their teacher and one of our volunteer guides.

Often these groups will have a viewing session in front of a work of art for 10 to 15 minutes before moving on to another exhibit or gallery space.

School Holidays
During school holidays, the Gallery tends to be busier.

Public Holidays
The National Gallery is only closed on Christmas Day.

Generally, the period between Boxing Day and New Year's Day has a higher level of visitation at the Gallery.

Major Exhibition Seasons
Major exhibitions at the National Gallery can run from 3 – 5 months. When planning your visit, we recommend trying to avoid the first week and last two weeks of the exhibition. This time is traditionally busier than at other times throughout the season.

Location

The National Gallery is on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. In the Parliamentary Triangle at the heart of Kamberri/Canberra, the Gallery is easily accessible by car, bus, bike and on foot.

Parkes Place, Parkes, Kamberri/Canberra ACT 2600, Australia.

Parking

Underground paid parking is accessed via Parkes Place. Payment for parking is by card only, and is free from 5pm for after-hours events.

On weekends and public holidays free parking is available off Bowen Drive.

Accessible parking is available in the underground parking station. The eight reserved accessible spaces are close to lift access, bringing you to the main entry. Present your ticket at the front desk in the main foyer at the end of your visit and it will be validated for free parking.

Public Transport, Taxis and Rideshares

Bus routes 2 and 6 travel via Barton. The closest stop is at John Gorton Building Parkes Place, a 6-minute walk to the Gallery. See Transport Canberra for timetable information.

Taxis and rideshares can drop you off right at the Gallery’s main entrance on Parkes Place (off King Edward Terrace).

Bike and Walking

There are bicycle and walking paths around Lake Burley Griffin and through the Sculpture Garden. The Gallery is also walking distance from the National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, Old Parliament House (Museum of Australian Democracy) and Questacon.

Bike racks are available on Parkes Place near the main entrance and close to the Sculpture Garden.

Group and school bookings

The Gallery offers an array of tours and programs, on site and online.

For school groups, we offer onsite programs and digital learning excursions. We provide guidance on what to do before, during and after your visit, including social stories and pre-visit prep packs to enhance the learning experience. We also provide support to schools bringing students with disability.

Daily tours of exhibitions and the collection are open to all visitors. Private tours are also available by arrangement. If you are booking for a large group, please email us on ticketing@nga.gov.au

Visit Guidelines

The National Gallery is home to some of Australia’s most important and valuable works of art. To help keep you, others and the collection safe, there are a few things you can do:

• Stay 1m back from works of art.
• Treat our team with kindness and respect.
• Cloak items larger than 30cm x 30cm as they cannot be taken into the galleries. Self service cloaking lockers are available free of charge at the Art Store.
• Keep a safe physical distance from others. Wearing face masks is encouraged.
• No food and drink in the galleries.
• Follow the conditions for taking photos in the Gallery.