National Museum of Australia

National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia was established in 1980 but did not open until 2001. It is located on Acton Peninsula by Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, the capital territory of Australia, and is one of the city’s iconic landmarks. It is a social history museum that focuses on exploring Australia’s history, peoples, and geographical culture, primarily highlighting Indigenous histories and the history of European settlement.

The main building of the National Museum itself is a massive exhibit. Its architectural design is innovative and vibrant, using simple and unadorned materials to create clean and dynamic lines, paired with colorful exterior decorations that leave a lasting impression. The museum is renowned for its collection and exhibitions of significant historical events and figures in Australia’s past, as well as displays on the evolution of Australia’s geographical environment, geological specimens, and images of flora and fauna. There are five permanent galleries within the museum, named “Eternity,” “First Australians,” “Horizons,” “Nation,” and “Ancient Land,” each dedicated to a specific theme that illustrates Australia’s development. In addition, the museum features temporary exhibition spaces for special exhibitions.

The National Museum of Australia is open year-round except for Christmas Day, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Since its completion in 2001, it has welcomed over 3 million visitors from both within Australia and abroad.

National Museum of Australia

Reason to visit: One of Australia’s most important museums

Continent: Oceania

Country/Region: Australia

Province/State: Australian Capital Territory

City: Canberra