Skip to main content
Skip to footer Skip to Acknowledgement of Country
National Gallery of Australia
What's On Art & Artists Visit
Login
  1. Home
  2. Visit

Visit

Photograph of woman sitting on black seat looking at artwork

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).

For more information about quieter times in the Gallery please click here.

Gallery Changes

We are working on new collection presentations, exhibitions and critical building upgrades. During this time some galleries are closed.

See what's open.

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.

Face masks

The health and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and volunteers is our top priority. Wearing face masks is encouraged when visiting the National Gallery.

Book Tickets

Need help with a ticket?
Call +61 2 6240 6411 or email ticketing@nga.gov.au

  • Accessibility
  • Tickets
  • Experience the Gallery
  • Planning your Visit
  • Getting here
  • GROUP BOOKINGS & VISIT GUIDELINES

Accessibility

Photograph of two visitors facing artworks with companion dog by side

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

Getting Here Access Programs Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Tickets


Photo of a woman standing inside a hot air balloon

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.

Book Tickets

Experience the Gallery


Two people walk through a gallery space looking at various works including vases and a large film

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.

More
Woman in dark clothing walking in front of art in gallery space

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.

MORE
Photograph of sculpture garden with Virginia by Clement Meadmore in foreground and lake in background

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.

MORE
Photograph of retail space with close up on products/books

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.

MORE
Large sculptures, trees and people at a cafe are in front of a large concrete Brutalist building

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.

MORE
Photograph of a family group crouching in the garden beds of the Sculpture Garden

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.

MORE
Photograph of Members Lounge with seating and collateral in view

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!

MORE
Photograph of people sitting at desks in library in front of book stacks

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.

MORE

Planning your Visit


Busy times in the Gallery can be influenced by several factors:

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.

Front exterior of the National Gallery building

Front exterior of the National Gallery building

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.

MORE

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. 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 BOOKINGS & VISIT GUIDELINES


Photograph of speaker gesturing at colourful artwork in front of group

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

Plan a School Experience Tours
Photograph of women walking in front of large colourful painting by Rodel Tapaya.

Installation view of Rodel Tapaya, The promise land: the moon, the sun, the stars, 2016 (detail), purchased 2017

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.
MORE

What's On

A close-up photograph showing a painted hollow-log. It is part of an installation of 200 painted hollow logs standing upright in a large gallery space. The surrounding walls are painted in a dark colour.

Membership

Two women sit on opposite benches wearing virtual reality headsets in a large room decorated like a video game

Yuuma, Gurruburri

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country.

  • National Gallery On Demand
  • Art & Artists
  • What's On
  • Visit
  • Membership
  • Donate
  • Jobs
  • About Us

Connect

+61 2 6240 6411
information@nga.gov.au
Get art in your inbox

Open every day

(except Christmas day)
10am – 5pm

Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country
Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT 2600

View Street Map
View Gallery Map


Contact us

National Gallery of Australia

Follow the National gallery of Australia on:

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Website Privacy Website Disclaimer Website Copyright
Opening Acknowledgment of Country

The National Gallery acknowledges the First Peoples of this land and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country

Learn More
Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
Aerial view of artist Lola Greeno walking along Rocky Beach
    • View All
    • Today
    • Exhibitions
    • On tour
    • Access Programs
    • All Programs
    • On Demand
    • About the Collection
    • Sculpture Garden
    • Kenneth E. Tyler Collection
    • Provenance
    • Conservation
    • Copyright
    • Search the Collection
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Getting Here
    • Parking & Transport
    • Art Store
    • Dining
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Research Library & Archives
    • Admission tickets
    • Browse Stories
    • Browse Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Audio Tours
    • Virtual Tours
    • The Annual
    • Publications
    • Learning Programs
    • For people with access needs
    • For Teachers & Students
    • For Young People
    • For Kids & Families
    • For Adults
    • For Your Community
    • Art Cases
    • Educator Programs
    • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Voluntary Guides
    • Partnerships
    • Support
    • Donate
  • First Nations
  • Access
  • Art Store
  • Media
  • Venue Hire
  • About Us
  • Contacts