12 Galleries to Explore in Canberra
Canberra's gallery scene spans major national institutions to intimate artist-run spaces. Whether you're after world-class collections or emerging local work, these venues offer something for every taste.
1Galleries Braddon1. National Gallery of Australia
Visit for Australia's premier collection of contemporary and historical art. Located in Braddon, it's the place to see major touring exhibitions and the national collection in one setting.
View venue4.6(7,140)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Galleries Barton2. National Portrait Gallery
Come here for portraiture across all media and eras. Barton's dedicated gallery focuses on the art of the portrait, from traditional painting to photography and sculpture.
View venue4.5(2,198)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Galleries Kingston3. Canberra Glassworks
Head here if you want to see working artists and finished pieces. Kingston's gallery specialises in glass art, often combining viewing with opportunities to watch artisans at work.
View venue4.4(788)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Museums Civic4. Canberra Museum and Gallery
Visit for a combined experience of local history and visual art. Civic's multi-purpose venue gives you both the story of Canberra and rotating art exhibitions in one stop.
View venue4.4(499)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Galleries Kingston5. Paintingsonline.com.au
Browse contemporary paintings in Kingston. This gallery showcases local and Australian painters across various styles and movements.
View venue4.8(59)· Google58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Galleries Manuka6. photo access
Come for photography and photographic art in Manuka. The gallery specialises in photographic work across documentary, fine art and conceptual practice.
View venue4.8(55)· Google57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Galleries Fyshwick7. Grainger Gallery
Explore contemporary visual art and installations in Fyshwick. The gallery supports established and emerging artists with regularly changing exhibitions.
View venue5.0(30)· Google56Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Galleries Manuka8. Aarwun Gallery
Come for Indigenous Australian art and cultural works. Located in Manuka, this gallery focuses on work from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
View venue4.8(34)· Google55Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Galleries Braddon9. Burrunju Art Gallery
Visit for contemporary Indigenous art in Braddon. This gallery showcases work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists with an emphasis on traditional and contemporary practice.
View venue4.4(57)· Google54Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Galleries Braddon10. ANU School of Art & Design Gallery
Check out emerging and experimental work in Braddon. The university gallery presents student and graduate work alongside established artists, making it a hub for newer artistic voices.
View venue4.6(32)· Google53Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Galleries Braddon11. Craft + Design Canberra
Browse handmade work by local makers in Braddon. This gallery focuses on craft disciplines including ceramics, jewellery, textiles and functional design.
View venue4.5(29)· Google52Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Galleries Belconnen12. Splatter
Visit for street art and contemporary urban practice in Belconnen. The gallery focuses on graffiti, spray paint, digital and mixed media work.
View venue4.6(25)· Google52Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Gallery of Australia | 67/100 | 4.6(7,140) | — | Braddon | — |
| National Portrait Gallery | 66/100 | 4.5(2,198) | — | Barton | — |
| Canberra Glassworks | 62/100 | 4.4(788) | $ | Kingston | — |
| Canberra Museum and Gallery | 61/100 | 4.4(499) | — | Civic | — |
| Paintingsonline.com.au | 58/100 | 4.8(59) | — | Kingston | — |
| photo access | 57/100 | 4.8(55) | — | Manuka | — |
| Grainger Gallery | 56/100 | 5.0(30) | — | Fyshwick | — |
| Aarwun Gallery | 55/100 | 4.8(34) | — | Manuka | — |
| Burrunju Art Gallery | 54/100 | 4.4(57) | — | Braddon | — |
| ANU School of Art & Design Gallery | 53/100 | 4.6(32) | — | Braddon | — |
| Craft + Design Canberra | 52/100 | 4.5(29) | — | Braddon | — |
| Splatter | 52/100 | 4.6(25) | — | Belconnen | — |
Frequently asked questions
Are any of these galleries free to visit?+
Several galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery and Canberra Museum and Gallery, offer free general admission. Check individual venue websites for current entry information and any ticketed exhibitions.
Which galleries focus on local and emerging artists?+
ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Burrunji Art Gallery, Grainger Gallery and Splatter all actively support local and emerging artists through their programming.
Where can I see Indigenous Australian art?+
Aarwun Gallery in Manuka and Burrunju Art Gallery in Braddon both specialise in work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Are there galleries specialising in particular media?+
Yes. Canberra Glassworks focuses on glass art, photo access on photography, Craft + Design Canberra on craft disciplines, and Splatter on street art and urban practice.
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