The building hits you first. This massive Brutalist structure rises from Lake Burley Griffin‘s shore, all sharp angles and exposed concrete. Inside, over 155,000 works including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The permanent collection is free, and always has been.
Quick answer
The National Gallery of Australia costs nothing to enter. The permanent collection, sculpture garden, and most exhibitions are free year-round. Special exhibitions occasionally charge (typically $15 to $30). It opens daily 10am to 5pm except Christmas Day. No booking needed for general entry. Underground parking costs around $4 per hour (card only), or park for $5 flat rate on weekends and public holidays.
At a glance
| Price (checked December 2025) | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free (special exhibitions may charge) | Daily 10am – 5pm (closed Christmas Day) | Parkes Place, Parkes, Canberra ACT 2600 | Everyone for permanent collection | 4:30pm |
How much does the National Gallery of Australia cost?
Nothing, unless visiting a special ticketed exhibition.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent collection | Free | Everyone |
| Sculpture Garden | Free | Everyone |
| James Turrell Skyspace | Free | Everyone |
| Special exhibitions | Varies | Typically $15–$30 adults when fees apply |
When the gallery hosts major international touring exhibitions, they usually charge admission. Prices vary by show. Care partners for visitors with disabilities get free admission to paid exhibitions. The permanent collection is free, funded by the Australian government.
Is the National Gallery of Australia free to enter?
Yes, completely. The entire permanent collection (over 155,000 works spanning Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Asian, Pacific, European, and American art) costs nothing.
The Sculpture Garden is free. James Turrell’s “Within Without” Skyspace is free. This isn’t a trick where “free” means three paintings before the paid section. You have full access to permanent collection galleries occupying most of the building.
You only pay for special ticketed exhibitions, clearly marked and in dedicated spaces. Even then, everything else remains free.
What time does the National Gallery of Australia open?
All year: Daily 10am to 5pm
Closed: Christmas Day (25 December)
Last entry around 4:30pm. The cafe opens 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm weekends.
Several areas are temporarily closed for maintenance throughout 2025. Fiona Hall’s Fern Garden is closed for rectification. Fujiko Nakaya’s fog sculpture reopens mid-2027. The Sculpture Garden Pavilion is also closed until mid-2027. Check the website for current closures.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
No. For general admission to permanent collection and sculpture garden, just turn up. No tickets, reservations, or capacity limits.
If a special ticketed exhibition is running and you want to see it, booking online is recommended for popular shows on weekends.
A collection for all Australians
The National Gallery of Australia opened in 1982, though the government began acquiring artworks in 1910. Colin Madigan’s Brutalist design from 1968 remains controversial. Construction took nine years (1973-1982).
The collection includes over 155,000 works by more than 15,000 artists. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection (over 7,500 works) is the world’s largest. Founding director James Mollison made Aboriginal art central from the start.
Holdings span 5,000 years, from ancient Asian bronzes to contemporary installations. Jackson Pollock’s “Blue Poles,” purchased controversially for $2 million in 1973, sparked national debate but is now worth over $100 million.
What you’ll actually see
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art occupies eleven galleries with bark paintings, ochre sculptures, acrylic paintings, contemporary photography. The breadth is overwhelming: hundreds of distinct cultural groups, each with their own visual languages.
Australian art galleries cover colonial painting through contemporary works. Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series, Tom Roberts, Grace Cossington Smith, Jeffrey Smart, Fred Williams.
International art includes European masters (Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso), American works (Pollock’s “Blue Poles,” Warhol, Rothko), and significant Asian collections.
The Sculpture Garden surrounds the building with works among native plantings. James Turrell’s “Within Without” Skyspace frames the sky through geometric opening. Light changes dramatically throughout the day.
Current maintenance works mean some sculptures are temporarily removed and water features are off.
What’s included
Your free admission includes full access to permanent collection across all levels, over 155,000 works spanning 5,000 years, world’s largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection, Australian and international works, Sculpture Garden, and Turrell’s Skyspace.
Not included: Special ticketed exhibitions, guided tours (bookings required), audio guides, underground parking ($3/hour, card only).
Things to do nearby
National Portrait Gallery (300 metres, 4-minute walk) – Portraits of notable Australians. Contemporary architecture contrasting with the gallery’s Brutalism.
Old Parliament House (400 metres, 5-minute walk) – Museum of Australian Democracy in the 1927-1988 parliament building. Aboriginal Tent Embassy on front lawn.
Questacon (450 metres, 6-minute walk) – National Science and Technology Centre with hands-on exhibits. Popular with families.
Parliament House (1.2 kilometres, 15-minute walk) – Current parliament building. Free tours, public galleries, Behind Scenes tours $15.
Lake Burley Griffin (immediate access) – Walking and cycling paths, Captain Cook Memorial Jet, kayak rentals.
Practical tips
Getting there: Bus routes 2 and 6 to John Gorton Building (6-minute walk). Underground paid parking accessed via Parkes Place (card only). Free parking weekends off Bowen Drive.
Time needed: Two to three hours for thorough visit of permanent collection. Add an hour for special exhibitions.
Photography: Generally allowed in permanent galleries but check signs. Some Aboriginal works prohibit photography for cultural reasons.
Accessibility: Fully accessible with lifts, accessible toilets, accessible parking. Wheelchairs and mobility aids available free (book ahead: +61 2 6240 6411).
Crowds: Busiest during school holidays and weekends. Weekday mornings quietest.
Facilities: Free cloakrooms, cafe, gallery shop, baby change, WiFi throughout.
FAQs
How long to see the gallery? Two to three hours covers highlights. Art enthusiasts could spend six hours.
Really completely free? Yes. Permanent collection, sculpture garden, most exhibitions cost nothing. Occasional touring exhibitions charge $15 to $30.
Can I take photos? Generally yes for personal use in permanent galleries, but check signs. Some Aboriginal works prohibit photography for cultural reasons.
Best time to visit? Weekday mornings outside school holidays for smallest crowds. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for sculpture garden.
Most famous work? Jackson Pollock’s “Blue Poles” draws crowds. Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series is iconic. The Aboriginal galleries contain countless significant works.
