Are Canberra's national galleries free?

The permanent collections at the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Library and National Museum are free. Major touring exhibitions are ticketed. CMAG, Canberra Glassworks and Drill Hall Gallery also have free general entry.

What's the best Canberra arts festival?

Enlighten in March (lake-side projections and night-time openings), Design Canberra in November, and the Canberra International Film Festival are the three with the broadest weekend programs.

Arts and culture

Arts and culture in Canberra

3 min read

Canberra is the cultural heartland of Australia, offering far more than just national monuments and political halls. From the sleek galleries of Parkes to the gritty street art found in the back lanes of Braddon or Mitchell, the city thrives on creative expression. Whether you are seeking a world class exhibition at the National Gallery or a boutique theatre production in Belconnen, there is always something unique happening across the capital. Local artists and performers continue to push boundaries, ensuring that every weekend offers a fresh perspective on the local scene.

The city arts landscape is diverse and deeply rooted in the community. You can discover interactive workshops in Kingston, live poetry slams in Civic or independent cinema screenings in Manuka. Cultural festivals frequently transform suburban hubs into vibrant hubs of music and dance, bridge the gap between traditional heritage and contemporary innovation. Our curated guide keeps you informed about the latest gallery openings, stage performances and creative gatherings. Explore the live event listings below to find your next dose of inspiration.

The Canberra arts scene

Canberra packs an unusual concentration of galleries, museums and performing-arts venues into a small footprint. The big nationals on the lake shore – National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Library, National Museum, Australian War Memorial – sit alongside the local powerhouses Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra Glassworks, Drill Hall Gallery, the ANU School of Art & Design Gallery and the artist-run Tuggeranong Arts Centre, M16 Artspace and PhotoAccess.

Visual arts

The NGA’s permanent collection is free; touring blockbusters are ticketed and well worth booking. The Portrait Gallery runs the National Photographic Portrait Prize most years and a strong commission program. CMAG in Civic is the place for ACT-focused exhibitions, and Canberra Glassworks in Kingston combines exhibitions with live hot-shop demonstrations on weekends.

Theatre, dance and cabaret

The Canberra Theatre Centre in Civic books the major touring productions. The Street Theatre in Acton programs new Australian work, cabaret and jazz. Belconnen Arts Centre runs dance and community productions. Tuggeranong Arts Centre programs grassroots and youth theatre.

Festivals

Standouts include the Enlighten Festival (March), Canberra International Film Festival (November), Design Canberra (November), You Are Here (March) and the Multicultural Festival (February). Most run weekend programs across multiple venues.

What’s on this week

The live feed below pulls confirmed arts and culture events for the next two weeks. For weekend planning, see things to do this weekend.

Frequently asked questions

Are Canberra's national galleries free?: The permanent collections at the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Library and National Museum are free. Major touring exhibitions are ticketed. CMAG, Canberra Glassworks and Drill Hall Gallery also have free general entry.
What's the best Canberra arts festival?: Enlighten in March (lake-side projections and night-time openings), Design Canberra in November, and the Canberra International Film Festival are the three with the broadest weekend programs.