Visit
Installation view of Mrs N. Yunupingu, Gumatj people, Djulpan (Seven Sisters), 2020, purchased 2021, © Mrs N. Yunupingu. Courtesy of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka, 2021
Opening Hours
The National Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm daily
(closed Christmas Day).
Entry
Entry to the Gallery is free. Entry fees apply to some major exhibitions.
You need a free general entry ticket to visit the Gallery. Your ticket gives you access to all non-paid exhibitions and galleries.
Covid-19 Update: Masks mandatory
Wearing a mask is mandatory when visiting the National Gallery. Please wear your mask and check in using the Check-In CBR app. The safety of visitors and staff is our top priority.
Need help with a ticket?
Call +61 2 6240 6411 or email ticketing@nga.gov.au
Accessibility
We are committed to making our collections, exhibitions, building and events accessible to all visitors. A range of services are available to facilitate your visit to the Gallery.
There are free access programs to support your exploration of the Gallery. These programs are designed with and for people with disabilities. They include tours, workshops and opportunities for individuals and communities to engage with the Gallery’s collection and exhibitions.
For more information call +61 2 6240 6411 to speak to a member of our Visitor Experience team or email information@nga.gov.au
Tickets
Artist Patricia Piccinini standing inside Skywhalepapa 2020, commissioned with the assistance of The Balnaves Foundation 2019, purchased 2020 © Patricia Piccinini
The National Gallery is free to visit. Entry requires a free ticket, which can be booked online or in person. This general entry ticket includes access to the national collection, the Sculpture Gardens and most exhibitions — advance online bookings are recommended.
Some special exhibitions require a paid ticket. When booking a paid ticket for a special exhibition or public program online, a free ticket for general entry will be added to your cart automatically.
Need help with a ticket? Call +61 2 6240 6411 or email ticketing@nga.gov.au
Booking for a group? See below for details on group, tour and school bookings.
Experience the Gallery
Installation view of Mrs N. Yunupingu, Gumatj people, Djulpan (Seven Sisters), 2020, purchased 2021, © Mrs N. Yunupingu. Courtesy of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka, 2021
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.
Clement Meadmore, Virginia, 1970, purchased 1973 © Meadmore Sculptures, LLC. VAGA/Copyright Agency
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.
Getting here
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
Installation view of Rodel Tapaya, The promise land: the moon, the sun, the stars, 2016 (detail), purchased 2017
Conditions of Entry
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:
- Follow all staff and signage advice and directions
- Maintain physical distance from other groups
- Refrain from touching works of art, and stand at least 1m away
- Keep food and drink (other than water) out of the Gallery
- Self-service cloaking lockers are available free of charge at the Art Store — any item greater than 30cm on any side must be cloaked.
