Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) brings the city’s social history and visual arts together at 176 London Circuit in Civic. Its galleries range from displays about Canberra’s past, including the bushfires, to works by Sidney Nolan and an exhibition on architect Enrico Taglietti. Look for the Outer Space display connected to Mount Stromlo Observatory, too. The exhibitions change, so check CMAG’s website before you go. It’s a useful indoor stop for local context, Australian art and family activities, including children’s storytelling sessions.
Canberra’s history and visual arts
CMAG is both a museum and an art gallery, with exhibitions about the Canberra region’s social history alongside visual art. It is on London Circuit in Civic, in the city centre. Displays explore events that have shaped Canberra, including the bushfires, and present stories about the local community and the city’s past.
The mix gives the visit a local focus: you can move between historical displays and artworks rather than seeing only one kind of collection. Some exhibitions are temporary, so the subjects on view can change. Check CMAG’s website before setting out if you have a particular exhibition in mind.
Sidney Nolan and Enrico Taglietti
The upstairs gallery displays works from the Sidney Nolan collection. Nolan is one of the Australian artists represented at CMAG, and the collection includes his paintings. If you are especially interested in Australian art, make this gallery a priority during your visit.
A separate display introduces the work of Enrico Taglietti, the Italian architect whose buildings are part of Canberra’s built environment. Models of his buildings help connect the exhibition to places around the city, while the displays give context to his architectural work.
Outer Space and family activities
The Outer Space exhibition takes its subject from space exploration and connects it to Mount Stromlo Observatory. It adds a different subject to the museum’s local history and art displays, with an arcade game at the end of the exhibition.
CMAG also runs community and educational events, including children’s storytelling sessions with opportunities to handle instruments. Its wider program can include talks, screenings and workshops, so check the current schedule if you are planning around an event. Families can combine the galleries with a scheduled activity, while visitors focused on the collections can spend their time with the Nolan works, Canberra history and architecture displays.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is entry to Canberra Museum and Gallery free?
The museum is listed as having free admission. Check its website for details of current exhibitions and events.
What can you see at Canberra Museum and Gallery?
Displays cover Canberra’s history and architecture, including work by Enrico Taglietti. The galleries also include Sidney Nolan paintings and an Outer Space exhibition connected to Mount Stromlo Observatory.
How long do you need at Canberra Museum and Gallery?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to explore the galleries. Add time if you plan to attend an event or children’s activity.
Is Canberra Museum and Gallery suitable for children?
Yes. The museum runs children’s storytelling sessions that can include instrument activities. Check the website for the current program.
