Standing in front of Old Parliament House in Canberra for the first time, I was struck by how modest it looks — a low-slung white building that housed Australia’s government for 61 years, now dwarfed by the modern Parliament House looming on the hill behind it. There’s something genuinely moving about walking through chambers where Menzies, Whitlam, and Fraser debated, even if the explanatory videos in the Museum of Australian Democracy can be a bit earnest.
Quick overview: How much does the Museum of Australian Democracy cost?
Entry to the Museum of Australian Democracy is completely free, with no tickets required and no timed entry slots. The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm except Christmas Day, with last entry at 4:30pm. Guided tours are also free but should be booked in advance, whilst special exhibitions and events occasionally carry separate charges.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 9am-5pm daily | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600 | Everyone | 4:30pm |
How much does the Museum of Australian Democracy cost?
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | Free | Everyone |
| Guided tours | Free | Everyone (booking recommended) |
| School groups | Free | All educational visits |
| Special events | Varies | Check website for specific event pricing |
The museum has embraced free admission since reopening in 2009, which feels appropriate for a democracy museum. There are no suggested donations or hidden charges — genuinely free means genuinely free.
Special exhibitions and events occasionally carry separate charges. When I visited, a temporary exhibition on women’s suffrage was free, but ticketed evening events like talks or performances can cost $15-30. Check the website for current special exhibitions.
Is the Museum of Australian Democracy free to enter?
Yes, completely free. There are no tickets to purchase, no booking requirements for general admission, and no suggested donation boxes lurking near the exit. Just walk in during opening hours.
The cafe and gift shop obviously charge for their wares, but you’re under no obligation to use either. Parking, however, incurs a charge, although there are a few free accessible parking spaces.
This is a federally funded museum, so your taxes (if you’re Australian) have already paid for it. If you’re an international visitor, consider it Australia’s gift to you for bothering to visit Canberra.
What time does the Museum of Australian Democracy open?
The museum is open 9am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day (25 December). Last entry is at 4:30pm, giving you 30 minutes to start exploring before closing time.
Opening hours remain consistent year-round — 9am to 5pm, seven days a week including public holidays except Christmas. This reliability is genuinely helpful when planning a Canberra itinerary.
The museum occasionally closes early for special events or private functions, though these closures are announced well in advance on the website.
Do I need to book Museum of Australian Democracy tickets in advance?
No booking required for general admission — just turn up anytime between 9am and 4:30pm and walk straight in. There are no capacity limits or timed entry slots for casual visitors.
Guided tours are free but should be booked in advance, particularly during school holidays and weekends. Tours run at scheduled times throughout the day and provide significantly more context than wandering around independently. You can book tours through the museum’s website or by phoning ahead.
Peak visitor times are weekends between 11am and 2pm, and school holidays bring additional crowds of families. Weekday mornings outside school holidays are noticeably quieter if you prefer a more contemplative visit.
Australia’s original Parliament House
Old Parliament House opened on 9 May 1927 as Australia’s permanent national parliament, replacing temporary arrangements in Melbourne. The building was designed by architect John Smith Murdoch in a simplified classical style — intentionally modest because it was meant to be temporary until a grander building could be constructed.
That “temporary” building ended up serving for 61 years, finally closing when the new Parliament House opened on Capital Hill in 1988. During those six decades, it witnessed Depression-era politics, Australia’s involvement in two world wars, the Menzies era, Whitlam’s dismissal, and Fraser’s prime ministership.
After Parliament moved out, the building faced an uncertain future. Various proposals included demolition, conversion to offices, or abandonment. Thankfully, the building was saved and reopened as the Museum of Australian Democracy in 2009, preserving both the structure and its role in Australia’s political story.
The building itself is heritage-listed, with many spaces restored to their 1940s-1950s appearance. Walking through feels like stepping into mid-century Australia — the colour schemes, furniture, and fittings all evoke the period when this was the centre of Australian political life.
What you’ll experience inside
The House of Representatives and Senate chambers are the undisputed highlights — both restored to their period appearance with original green and red colour schemes respectively. You can sit in the Prime Minister’s seat or the Speaker’s chair, which feels faintly transgressive even though you’re actively encouraged to do it.
The Prime Ministers’ Suite recreates the office environment of Australia’s leaders, complete with period furnishings and documents. It’s fascinating to see how modest the working conditions were compared to modern parliamentary offices.
Temporary exhibitions rotate regularly and cover various aspects of Australian democracy, from electoral history to constitutional debates. Recent exhibitions have explored topics like Indigenous voice to parliament, women’s suffrage, and Australia’s relationship with migration.
Interactive displays throughout the museum let you vote on historical issues, explore how bills become law, and understand the complexities of preferential voting. Some of these are genuinely well-done; others feel a bit dated and worthy.
The gardens surrounding the building are lovely for a wander, with rose beds, lawns, and memorials. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy, established in 1972, remains on the front lawn — a powerful reminder of ongoing political activism.
What’s included with your free admission?
- Access to all permanent exhibition spaces including House of Representatives and Senate chambers
- Self-guided exploration of Prime Ministers’ Suite and other historic rooms
- Current temporary exhibitions (though some special exhibitions may charge separately)
- Access to gardens and outdoor spaces
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Children’s activity sheets and trails
Things to do near the Museum of Australian Democracy
Parliament House (800 metres, 10-minute walk uphill) — Australia’s current parliament with public galleries, extensive art collection, and free tours. Question Time when parliament sits is compelling political theatre. Free admission but security screening required.
National Gallery of Australia (1.2 kilometres, 15-minute walk) — Australia’s premier art museum with Indigenous, Australian, and international collections. Highlights include Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series. Free general admission, charges for special exhibitions.
National Portrait Gallery (1.4 kilometres, 18-minute walk) — Faces of famous and influential Australians from colonial times to present. Thought-provoking curation in a purpose-built space. Free admission.
Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre (1.6 kilometres, 20-minute walk) — Interactive science museum particularly good for children. Hands-on exhibits covering physics, biology, and technology.
Australian War Memorial (3.2 kilometres, 8-minute drive) — Comprehensive museum and memorial to Australians who served in conflicts. Deeply moving and exceptionally well-curated. Free admission but timed-entry booking essential.
Practical information
Location: On King George Terrace in Parkes, directly between Lake Burley Griffin and the new Parliament House. You can’t miss the white building at the base of Capital Hill.
Getting there: Free parking on-site. Canberra’s public transport is limited, but bus routes 2, 3, and 13 stop nearby. The museum is walkable from many Parliamentary Triangle attractions.
Time needed: Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a thorough visit. You could rush through in an hour, but that defeats the purpose. Add 45 minutes if joining a guided tour.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors. Wheelchairs available for loan at the information desk. Accessible toilets throughout.
Facilities: Cafe serving breakfast and lunch (decent quality, reasonable prices). Gift shop with politics and history books. Free cloakroom for bags. Baby change facilities available.
Photography: Allowed throughout the museum for personal use. No flash photography in certain areas with sensitive documents or fabrics.
Audio guide: Free audio guide available via your smartphone — download the museum’s app before arriving or use the free Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I spend at the Museum of Australian Democracy?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a comprehensive visit. An hour is sufficient if you’re just hitting the highlights like the chambers and Prime Ministers’ Suite.
Can you visit Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy in one day?
Absolutely. They’re an 800-metre walk apart. Start with the museum in the morning, then walk uphill to Parliament House for the afternoon. Both are free.
Is the Museum of Australian Democracy suitable for children?
Yes, though it’s more engaging for older children (10+) who have some understanding of government and history. Activity sheets are available for younger visitors.
Do I need to book tickets for the Museum of Australian Democracy?
No booking required for general admission. Guided tours should be booked in advance, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
What’s the difference between Old Parliament House and Parliament House?
Old Parliament House (the museum) was Australia’s parliament from 1927-1988. Parliament House (on the hill) has been home to parliament since 1988 and still functions as the working parliament.
Is there food available at the museum?
Yes, there’s a cafe serving breakfast and lunch with indoor and outdoor seating. Alternatively, bring your own food and picnic in the gardens.
