

Open weekdays 9 am – 5 pm and weekends 10 am – 4 pm
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Entry is free!
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.
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
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.
The Story of Canberra
The National Capital Exhibition tells the Story of Canberra as the capital city of Australia.
It is an essential stop on any tour of Canberra. Explore displays featuring the people, events, history and design of this unique, modern, planned city. Discover the people behind the design – Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion.
Canberra is unique and innovative in the history of town planning. The built and natural landscapes have equal importance and the shape of suburbs is determined by the surrounding natural features.
Don’t miss:
- The scale model of the national area of Canberra, including a projected presentation
- The augmented reality overlay on a replica of an original plaster of Paris landscape model
- The Story of Canberra – a brief film in the Foundations Theatre
- Interactive displays on alternative designs and changes to the Griffin plan over time.
Meet the Capital
Free guided tour every day at 11 am.
Group tour bookings for the National Capital Exhibition can be made online at Book Canberra Excursions.
Alternatively, to talk to our bookings team, please email nce@nca.gov.au or phone (02) 6272 2902.
Book an education program
Click here for information on becoming a Volunteer
Little Griffins is now online!
Our regular monthly preschooler program, focused on Canberra’s iconic Griffin design, is available online during COVID-19.
Click here to watch the video and download the instruction sheets and words to the songs so families can join in from home.
Last Friday of the month, details here.
Location
Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park
Parkes ACT 2600
Contact
P 02 6272 2902
E nce@nca.gov.au
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