List of museums in the Australian Capital Territory facts for kids

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to many exciting places where you can learn about history, art, science, and more! These places are called museums and galleries. They collect and take care of special objects. Then, they show these collections to everyone.

This list will help you discover some of the amazing museums and galleries you can visit in the ACT. Get ready to explore and learn!

Discovering Museums in the ACT

The Australian Capital Territory has a wide range of museums. You can find everything from ancient artifacts to modern art. There are also places to learn about science, history, and even how money is made!

Art and Design Galleries

If you love art, the ACT has many galleries to explore. These places show off beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other creative works.

• ANCA Gallery in Dickson displays art from Australian National Capital Artists.
• ANU School of Art Gallery in Canberra features art from students and teachers at the Australian National University.
• Belconnen Arts Centre in Belconnen is a lively place for both visual and performing arts.
• Canberra Craft & Design Centre in Canberra shows off amazing contemporary craft and design. You can see unique handmade items here.
• Canberra Glassworks in Canberra is a special place where artists create beautiful objects from glass. You can often watch them work!
• Drill Hall Gallery in Acton is another art gallery connected to the Australian National University.
• Gallery of Australia Design in Canberra focuses on Australian design and architecture.
• National Gallery of Australia in Canberra is one of the biggest art galleries in the country. It has art from Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific.
• National Portrait Gallery in Canberra shows portraits of famous Australians. You can see faces of people who have made a big difference.
• Tuggeranong Arts Centre in Tuggeranong offers both performing and visual arts experiences.

History and Heritage Sites

Step back in time at these museums. They tell stories about people, places, and events from the past.

• Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a very important place. It remembers Australians who served in wars and conflicts. It is both a museum and a national memorial.
• Blundell's Cottage in Canberra is a farm cottage from the 1800s. It shows what life was like long ago.
• Calthorpes' House in Red Hill is a house from the 1920s. It gives you a peek into how families lived almost 100 years ago.
• Lanyon Homestead in Canberra is a large historic home from the 1850s. It shows the history of early settlers in the region.
• Mugga-Mugga in Symonston is a cottage from the early 1900s. It shares stories of rural life.
• Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Parkes teaches you about Australia's democracy and political history. It's located in the building where Parliament used to meet.
• National Archives of Australia in Canberra keeps important documents and items that tell Australia's story.
• National Capital Exhibition in Canberra explains the history and culture of the city itself.
• National Museum of Australia in Acton explores Australia's social history. It covers everything from ancient Aboriginal culture to modern times.
• St John's Schoolhouse Museum in Reid is Canberra's very first schoolhouse. You can see what classrooms were like in the past.

Science and Discovery Centres

These places are perfect for curious minds! They offer hands-on exhibits and amazing facts about science and the world around us.

• Canberra Space Centre in Tidbinbilla is all about space, astronomy, and the work of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. You can learn about satellites and space exploration.
• CSIRO Discovery Centre in Acton showcases Australian scientific research and technology from CSIRO. It's a great place to see how science helps us every day.
• National Dinosaur Museum in Gold Creek Village takes you on a journey through the evolution of life. It has a special focus on dinosaurs!
• Questacon in Canberra is a fantastic science centre. It has many interactive exhibits that make learning about science fun and exciting.

Special Interest Museums

The ACT also has museums dedicated to very specific and interesting topics.

• Australian National University Classics Museum in Canberra has ancient art and artifacts. You can see items from Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East.
• Canberra Fire Museum in Canberra tells the story of firefighting. You can learn about old fire engines and the brave people who fight fires.
• Canberra Museum and Gallery in Canberra covers both the city's social history and visual arts. It's a great place to learn about Canberra itself.
• Canberra Railway Museum in Kingston is home to historic trains. You can see old locomotives, passenger cars, and railway tools.
• National Film and Sound Archive in Acton preserves Australia's film, television, and sound history.
• Royal Australian Mint in Canberra is where Australian coins are made. You can take a tour and see rare and historic coins from the National Coin Collection.

See also

• List of museums in Australia