Plan Your Visit

Yes, you can visit the Gallery and gardens for free.

Each year there are a number of paid exhibitions. Individuals with a disability can visit these exhibitions at a concession rate. Accompanying carers are free.

Advance bookings for both free and paid tickets are recommended. You can book online, call +61 2 6240 6411 or email ticketing@nga.gov.au

Yes, care partners accompanying a visitor with a disability have free admission to paid exhibitions.

The Gallery’s underground carpark has eight spaces reserved for visitors with disability. They are located close to lift access, which will take you to the main entrance of the Gallery.

The entrance to the Gallery’s main underground carpark is down a ramp from Parkes Place. As you turn off King Edward Terrace into Parkes Place the entrance is immediately on your right. To enter the carpark, take a ticket and the boom gate will automatically lift.

There are also four reserved spaces for people with disability in the above-ground carpark off Bowen Drive, which is open to the public on weekends and public holidays. Access to the Gallery main entrance from this carpark is via the Australian Gardens and a ramp. The distance to the Gallery’s entrance is approximately 80m and the route is not protected from weather. To access these reserved parking spaces on Mon–Fri, use the intercom button to alert the Security team who will open the boom gate.

Free parking is available for both carparks when the boom gate ticket is presented at the concierge desk in the main foyer for validation at the end of your visit. You may be asked to present a disability parking permit to verify your use of this space.

Wheelchairs, motorised scooters, wheelie walkers and walking sticks are available for free. To book in advance, call us on +61 2 6240 6411 or email information@nga.gov.au

Yes, all assistance animals are welcome to visit the Gallery when accompanied by their handler. For safety reasons, please be advised the Gallery may request to see accreditation (for example, a certificate, token or harness) or other evidence to demonstrate that the animal is properly trained.

Accessible toilets are located on Ground level near the cloakroom, and on Level 1 near the James Fairfax Theatre.

Yes, there is an Audio Induction Loop System in the main entrance, Gandel Hall, James Fairfax Theatre and Tim Fairfax Learning Gallery.

Yes, there are two braille brochures with tactile maps—for the Gallery and for the Sculpture Garden.

The Gallery brochure includes a braille introduction, information and tactile maps of five works of art. The Sculpture Garden brochure includes a braille introduction, information and tactile maps of six works of art in the gardens.

If you would like to use these guides, please contact the Gallery in advance to book. You can call us on +61 2 6240 6411 or email information@nga.gov.au

Yes, the Parents and Carers Room on Level 1 has comfortable seating, a kitchenette with microwave, baby change table with nappy disposal and toilet facilities. The area is not independently accessible.

Yes, a capped water bottle can be carried around the Gallery in a bag. If you don’t have a bag with you, please ask for a paper bag. You can drink bottled water away from the works of art, in the foyer space and in the Tim Fairfax Learning Studio.

If you have a medical condition and need to drink water in the Gallery, we will be happy to support you. Please speak with the Visitor Experience Team at the main entrance when you arrive.

Yes, there are Gallery staff at the main entrance and around the Gallery who can answer questions and provide assistance.

Our National Gallery Voluntary Guides are available in gallery spaces for Art Chats – informal conversations around the galleries – or one-hour deep-dives for exhibitions and collection displays. You can also request a tailored guided visit for a small group. Learn more.

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.