It is hard to visit Canberra without seeing the National Museum. The outside of this building is incredibly striking. Its unique architecture and colours stand out against Lake Burley Griffin and invite visitors to come and explore what promises to be an interesting and colourful collection inside.
Paid parking is available on site. (The car park was extremely busy on the day of our visit, but we did eventually find a park after doing several laps. It is worth persevering as there is not really an alternative parking area nearby.) A huge sculpture at the far end of the car park provides a fun place for children to let off some steam before entering.
The grounds of the museum are even more amazing up close, because the landscaping extends the colours and patterns of the building. We saw many families enjoying the grounds while we were there. An on-site café offers spectacular views over the lake at Canberra’s heart. It is the exterior of the museum which is the highlight.
Significant changes were clearly underway inside the museum during 2022, so it is worth checking the museum’s website ahead of any visit to see which galleries will be open during your visit.
We did enjoy the limited number of exhibits on display when we were there. They were very pertinent to the Australian experience, including the long history of Australia’s indigenous peoples and the ways they used the land sustainably, through to ocean creatures and an exhibit on natural disasters in Australia. The artefacts on display were interesting and there were interactive elements for kids to enjoy, including videos and screens.
One area which looked amazing was an indoor children’s play space for under-5s, though there is nothing on offer specifically for older children. When we booked our initial trip in 2021, I had booked ‘K Space’, an interactive scavenger hunt for older kids. Unfortunately, this experience was no longer on offer in 2022. Hopefully it may return, or something similar in its place.
General entry to the museum is free, though $5 donations are appreciated upon entry. The entrance to the museum is on Lawson Crescent on the Acton Peninsula and it is open 9 am to 5 pm daily, every day except Christmas Day.
Our overall impression of the museum is that it is excellent for adults, and seems good for very young kids, but is perhaps not a ‘must do’ for school-aged children, especially if you are visiting some of the other museums and galleries we mention on our blog. Having said that, it’s the national museum, and it feels like it should be on everyone’s list just to experience the building’s architecture and grounds, if nothing else. Check in advance to see which paid exhibits are available – these change often and may have some appeal for your family.
For more information, visit the National Museum of Australia website.
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