Visit
Installation view of Mrs N. Yunupingu, Gumatj people, Djulpan (Seven Sisters), 2020, purchased 2021, © Mrs N. Yunupingu. Courtesy of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka, 2021
Key information
Opening Hours
The National Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm daily
(closed Christmas Day).
For information about quieter times please see Plan your visit.
Tickets
You need a free general entry ticket to visit the Gallery. Tickets can be booked online in advance or in person when you arrive.
A general entry ticket gives you access to all non-paid exhibitions and galleries. Paid tickets are required for some major exhibitions.
Need help with a ticket?
Call +61 2 6240 6411 or email ticketing@nga.gov.au
Gallery Changes
We are working on critical building upgrades and new exhibitions. During this time some galleries are closed. See what's open.
Face masks
The health and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and volunteers is our top priority. Wearing face masks is encouraged when visiting.
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 details on group, tour and school bookings.
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
Experience the Gallery
4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony installation view, including Kunmanara Carroll, Luritja and Pintupi peoples, 2021, installation view and Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu, Gumatj people, Maralitja, 2021, installation view.
Gallery Changes
We are working on new collection presentations, exhibitions and critical building upgrades. During this time some galleries are closed.
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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 Sculpture Garden and the Australian 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. 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 (lakeside) 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 (lakeside) 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, or for those with a valid disability parking permit.
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 parking ticket and disability parking permit at the front desk in the main foyer at the end of your visit for validation.
On weekends and public holidays free parking is available off Bowen Drive.
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 (lakeside). 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 (lakeside).
Group bookings
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
Conditions of entry
Installation view of Rodel Tapaya, The promise land: the moon, the sun, the stars, 2016, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 2017
The National Gallery is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors and staff. Please help us create a safe environment and protect the national collection by complying with these Conditions of Entry.
