Temporary Closures: Current advice
Heritage Festival 2026
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Date
11 April 2026
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10 May 2026
More information
Experience Heritage with the National Capital Authority
The National Capital Authority (NCA) is proud to be a major contributor to this year’s festival, offering a variety of activities and talks that reveal the history and significance of Canberra’s most important national places.
Participate in heritage talks and family‑friendly activities that encourage visitors of all ages to learn, create, and connect with Australia’s national story. The NCA’s special presentations and behind‑the‑scenes sessions will also provide rare insights into conservation efforts and the ongoing stewardship of the capital’s cherished heritage sites.
List of events:
Little Griffins - Making Messy Monuments
Date: Wednesday 15 April
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: National Capital Exhibition
On 15 April, little ones aged up to seven can dive into creativity at Making Messy Monuments. This hands-on session encourages children to build their own playful sculptures using wood, cardboard, and paint, while younger participants enjoy tactile fun with playdough—perfect for sparking imagination and artistic confidence.
Making Monumental Sculpture: Tom Bass to Norma Redpath
Date: Thursday 16 April
Time: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Location: National Capital Exhibition
On 16 April, talks explore the restoration of Norma Redpath’s 1969 Treasury Fountain with conservator Gillian Mitchell, highlighting its artistic intentions and international influences. Curator Kate Collins examines Tom Bass’s 1961 Ethos sculpture, the first NCDC commission, discussing its symbolism as Canberra’s community spirit and the creative motivations behind Bass’s work.
Blundells Cottage Heritage Market Day
Date: Sunday 19 April
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Blundells Cottage - Wendouree Drive
Experience living history on 19 April at Blundells Cottage Heritage Market Day, where visitors can enjoy workshops, music, heritage crafts, market stalls, and historical performances—offering a vibrant glimpse into more than a century of life at the cottage.
Event is free, register your interest!
A Monumental Walk
Date: Thursday 30 April
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Sir John Grey Gorton Sculpture
On 30 April, A Monumental Walk invites you to discover the stories behind significant parliamentary monuments. Educator Kate Collins and Canberra History enthusiast Finn Jeffery will unpack monuments demonstrating a cultural shift in subject matter as we encounter more recent memorials such as the Neville Bonner Memorial and Dame Dorothy Tangney and Dame Enid Lyons Memorial.
On Country Boat Tour with Richie Allan
Date: Sunday 3 May
Time: 9:30am - 11:00am
Location: Commonwealth Place
On 3 May, join Ngunnawal man Richie Allan for an On Country Boat Tour, sharing First Nations history along Lake Burley Griffin. The Ngunnawal maintained Country enjoying a resource rich location. Richie will discuss important hunting and fishing locations as well as precise sites for the collection of ochre and stone tools.