This sprawling arts centre – and its sister centre in Ainslie – plays host to a wide range of Canberra's cultural institutions, from galleries to theatre companies to individual artists. There's always something going on here, be it an exhibition, play, concert or multimedia interactive artwork; check the website to see what's happening during your visit.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Canberra attractions

1. Glebe Park

0.24 MILES

This spacious green park is filled with leafy elm trees that turn a lovely golden yellow in autumn. There's a playground for kids and lots of paved paths…

2. Canberra Museum & Art Gallery

0.42 MILES

This local museum is worth it for the Sidney Nolan paintings alone – 141 works, including canvases from his Ned Kelly series and Burke and Wills…

3. Australian War Memorial

0.65 MILES

Canberra's glorious art-deco war memorial is a highlight in a city filled with interesting architecture. Built to commemorate 'the war to end all wars',…

4. Drill Hall Gallery

0.79 MILES

The Australian National University's main gallery displays specials exhibitions and items from the ANU's art collection. On permanent display is the…

5. Nerang Pool

0.79 MILES

This lovely pool is a serene spot in Commonwealth Park, with an abundance of bird life and some beautiful landscaped gardens.

6. National Capital Exhibition

0.92 MILES

This small but fascinating museum tells the story of how Canberra came to be Australia's capital. Displays include reproductions of the drawings entered…

7. National Film & Sound Archive

0.99 MILES

Set in a delightful art-deco building (look for the stained-glass platypus in the foyer dome), this archive preserves Australian moving-picture and sound…

8. Blundell's Cottage

1.03 MILES

This small workers cottage was built in 1860 from local stone and is the oldest surviving building of its kind in Canberra. When it was built, the cottage…