Visit an art gallery or museum this summer and school holidays to beat the heat and keep everyone entertained.

Grand Palais, immersive experience on display at the Pompeii exhibition at the National Museum of Australia.
Image Credit: Grand Palais, immersive experience on display at the Pompeii exhibition at the National Museum of Australia.

As summer heats up, it's the perfect time to check out your local art gallery or museum and experience blockbuster exhibitions and family-friendly activities.

Our national collecting institutions are offering a diverse range of events and exhibitions to keep you entertained and inspired. Here's a roundup of what's happening this season:

Australian National Maritime Museum (Sea Museum) (Sydney, NSW)

Bundanon (Illaroo, NSW)

  • bagan bariwariganyan: echoes of country: Explore works by renowned Gweagal/Wandiwandian storyteller and artist Aunty Julie Freeman, and First Nations artists Aunty Cheryl Davison and Jonathan Jones (until 9 February 2025).
  • Family Fun Day: Artmaking Workshop: Experience a unique painting workshop after a guided visit at the art museum (6 January 2025).
  • Walking Bundanon: Learn about traditional knowledge and relationships to Country through a unique cultural walk beyond the historical homestead (11 January 2025). 

Museum of Australian Democracy (ACT)

  • Behind the Lines 2024: This annual exhibition of political cartooning offers a humorous and insightful look at the year's political events (travelling to venues around Australia in 2025—see website for dates).

National Archives of Australia (ACT)

  • 20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year: The touring exhibition showcases winning photographs from the last 20 years and captures the remarkable flora, fauna, and landscapes of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea (until 27 April 2025).
  • Family Craft at the Archives: Enjoy and get crafty during the festive time by creating beautiful wreaths and hanging ornaments (14 December 2024).
  • Under the Sea Holiday Program: After touring the 20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition, young artists will get hands-on and paint their own powerful image of underwater mystery and beauty. (13 January to 24 January 2025).

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (ACT)

  • Recent Relics: Go back in time and explore the new installation featuring 2 restored display cases filled with iconic objects that celebrate our contemporary audio-visual experiences.
  • Hot Summer Nights Series: Enjoy a series of film screenings that capture the essence of summer (January 2025).

National Gallery of Australia (ACT—and various locations around Australia)

  • Ethel Carrick and Anne Dangar Retrospectives: Explore the works of these 2 influential artists whose contributions to Australian art are celebrated in this comprehensive double exhibition (7 December 2024 to 27 April 2025). 
    Entry is free.

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

  • Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia: Experience a survey of historical and contemporary works of art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia (14 September 2024 to 24 August 2025).
  • Sharing the National Collection: See iconic artworks from the gallery's collection on loan at regional and suburban galleries and cultural institutions across the country (see website for dates and locations).

National Library of Australia (ACT)

National Museum of Australia (ACT)

National Portrait Gallery of Australia (ACT)

With such a rich line-up of events and exhibitions, there's something for everyone to enjoy this summer. Be sure to see what else is happening in your local area too!