Canberra, Australia

Museums in Canberra

9 places, ranked by traveler reviews. The museums in Canberra travelers actually rate, art, history and everything odd in between.

Museum4.5

Questacon

3,106 reviews

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is Canberra's superb interactive science museum and one of the best family attractions in Australia.

Museum4.5

National Portrait Gallery

1,849 reviews

The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra tells the story of Australia through the faces of the people who shaped it, explorers and prime ministers, artists, scientists, sportspeople, activists, and cultural icons.

Museum

National Library of Australia

Explore Australia's largest reference library, housing millions of items and hosting rotating exhibitions on the nation's heritage.

Museum

National Museum of Australia

Discover Australia's social history and Indigenous cultures through innovative exhibits and iconic objects at this national museum.

Museum

National Portrait Gallery (Australia)

See portraits of influential Australians from all walks of life in a striking modern building near Lake Burley Griffin.

Museum

Old Parliament House, Canberra

Housed in the former Parliament building, this museum explores Australia's political journey through interactive exhibits and preserved chambers.

Museum

National Gallery of Australia

Australia's premier art museum, housing an extensive collection of Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander art, alongside international masterpieces.

Museum

Royal Australian Mint

See how Australia's coins are made on interactive tours at the Royal Australian Mint, where you can even strike your own coin.

Museum

Australian War Memorial

Australia's national war memorial and museum, commemorating the country's military history with a moving collection of artifacts, art, and the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

Tickets & tours

Skip the queue in Canberra

Compare live prices for entry tickets, guided tours and day trips from trusted local operators.

Find tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

Good to know

What is the best-known of the museums in Canberra?

Questacon is the most reviewed, with 3,106 traveler reviews and a 4.5 rating. That makes it the safe choice if you are only fitting in one.

Which of Canberra's museums is worth going out of your way for?

National Portrait Gallery rates highest at 4.5 out of 5 across 1,849 reviews. Smaller crowds than the headline entry usually explain the gap.

How is this list of museums ranked?

By how many travelers reviewed each place, filtered to those rated well enough to be worth your time. No one pays to appear on it, and the order is refreshed monthly as new reviews land.

More of Canberra: see all things to do, caves, parks & nature, markets, bars, cafes, or build a Canberra itinerary.