Canberra Art Galleries

(Canberra, Australian Capital Territory - ACT, Australia)

The multitude of art galleries in Canberra contribute greatly to the city's tourism industry, with most being completely free of charge and packed with stunning Australian art works. Particularly important in the capital city of Canberra is the National Gallery of Australia, which was founded in the 1960s by the Government of Australia and now contains in excess of 100,000 art works.

Equally important is the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, next to the High Court, where you will discover a wealth of portraits showcasing prominent Australians and historical characters, such as politicians, royalty and even the famous English explorer, Captain James Cook (1728 to 1779).

Close to Canberra, the Tuggeranong Arts Centre is also one to look out for and is situated within the nearby town of Tuggeranong. This complex comprises gallery space, a small theatre, workshops and a digital media studio.

National Gallery of Australia

Address: Parkes Place, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6240 6411
The prestigious National Gallery of Australia is located close to the city centre, where it serves as Canberra's leading art centre. Housing a large, permanent collection of traditional and contemporary paintings - including a number by world-famous artists, large sculptures, ceramics and seasonal events, the National Gallery of Australia also features a well-stocked gift shop selling a range of prints, and a café area. Nearby attractions include the National Rose Garden, the Parliamentary Triangle and the Old Parliament House.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, charges for some temporary exhibitions

National Portrait Gallery of Australia

Address: King George's Terrace, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6102 7000
The National Portrait Gallery can be found in the Parkes area, on the south side of the city centre. Formerly occupying the Old Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1997 and now resides within a funky concrete building, in the Parliamentary Triangle. The many outstanding paintings of famous Australians are accompanied by regular guided tours, while visitors will also be pleased to find an onsite café and a small shop area.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, charges for some temporary exhibitions

Beaver Galleries

Address: 81 Denison Street, Deakin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6282 5294
The Beaver Galleries stands on the southerly side of the city, within the busy Deakin district and close to the Deakin Oval. Featuring separate exhibition spaces, many temporary art displays, a sculpture garden and a shop, Beaver Galleries actively encourages local up-and-coming artists from the Australian Capital Territory.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 090:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

ANU School of Art Gallery

Address: Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6249 5841
This inspiring art gallery is situated in the city centre, on Ellery Crescent, and regularly features exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, photographs and ceramics, created by local students. Other attractions include the Foyer area, which regularly hosts a varied selection of exhibitions, as well as regular discussions about art. Nearby, you may also like to pay a visit to the National Film and Sound Archive.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:30 to 17:00, Saturday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Canberra Contemporary Art Space

Address: Gorman House Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2608, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6247 0188
The expressive Canberra Contemporary Art Space is a large commercial gallery with a good reputation. Boasting many large modern art exhibitions throughout the year, by both national and international artists, the Contemporary Art Space includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics and many other outstanding pieces.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Chapman Gallery

Address: 1/11 Murray Crescent, Manuka, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2603, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6295 2550
Home to a large and diverse mixture of modern paintings, Aboriginal art work and contemporary sculptures, the Chapman Gallery can be found in the city's Manuka district. This popular commercial space has many temporary exhibitions and seasonal events throughout the calendar.
Open hours: Wednesday to Friday - 12:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery

Address: 19 O'Hanlon Place, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2913, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6230 2922
The Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery, in the northerly Gungahlin district, specialises in traditional Aboriginal art works in many different mediums, including paintings in various sizes, large sculptures and genuine Aboriginal artefacts. Nearby attractions are in good supply and include the National Dinosaur Museum, the Cockington Green Gardens and the Australian Reptile Centre.
Open hours: Monday to Friday by appointment, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Address: 137 Reed Street, Greenway, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2901, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6293 1443
The popular Tuggeranong Arts Centre lies within the Greenway area, on the southerly side of the city and next to Lake Tuggeranong itself. Here it features many exciting festivals and displays, such as large exhibitions, art-related courses, workshops, lectures and local community events.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Nolan Collection at Canberra Museum and Gallery

Address:London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2608, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6207 3968
Tel: +61 (0)2 6237 5192
Formerly exhibited at the Nolan Art Gallery in Tharwa, on the outskirts of the city, this collection celebrates the life and works of famous Australian-born artist, Sir Sidney Nolan.
Open hours: September to May, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00; June to August, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie

Address: Cottage 1, Weston Park Road, Yarralumla Nursery, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6260 5253
Situated within the Yarralumla district, the Yarralumla Gallery is a gallery and cafe, selling a wide variety of paintings in different mediums, including many unusual works of art.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Solander Gallery

Address: 10 Schilch Street, Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6285 2218
Located close to the Royal Canberra Golf Course and the Foresty Oval, the Solander Gallery is one of the city's leading commercial galleries and features both permanent and temporary exhibitions of paintings and sculptures. Highlights at the Solander include authentic Aboriginal pieces, contemporary paintings by famous Australian artists and many well-attended, seasonal events.
Open hours: Friday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00 or by appointment
Admission: free