National Capital Exhibition

Opening hours

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Pop-up exhibition now on display

Come to the National Capital Exhibition to learn more about the National Carillon and the people behind the music.

See the original instrument that was installed in 1969 and learn more about the National Carillon: the history, the mechanics and the people behind the music.

The National Capital Exhibition has reopened to the public in line with COVID-19 changes. For more information please go here.

The National Capital Exhibition (NCE) welcomes you to the exhibition. We are committed to ensuring safe physical distancing between staff and visitors. There is visible signage throughout the exhibition to remind visitors of social distancing guidelines. Staff will be available to assist visitors and monitor the flow of people through the exhibition.

We have made hand sanitiser available to students, adults and staff to ensure they are able to maintain good personal hygiene. All students and adults need to use hand sanitiser upon entering the exhibition. When coughing and sneezing please cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue.

The NCE have increased the extent and the frequency of cleaning undertaken in the exhibition, Foundations Theatre and public spaces during opening hours. This is chiefly focused on areas with high touch points such as interactive screens, IPads, handrails and surfaces with high contact, such as the surrounds of the model of Canberra.

Staff have been told to stay home if they are unwell. Visitors are required to postpone their visit if feeling unwell. If a student or teacher is unwell upon arrival at the National Capital Exhibition we request they do not enter the building or participate in an education program. Finally, consider downloading the COVIDSafe app.

As part of the National Capital Authority (NCA), the National Capital Exhibition complies with the high standards set by the Australian Tourism Industry Council in its management of NCA Attractions, visitors and staff and has therefore been recognised as an accredited tourism business.

The National Capital Authority is also the proud recipient of the Tourism Visitor Education category award at the 2019 Canberra Region Tourism Awards.