Gallery Guide: The Best Art Exhibitions in Canberra

Unveiling Canberra’s art scene, a subtle force in the cityscape, is akin to discovering a treasure trove. From national heavyweights to offbeat local gems, there’s something for every art enthusiast amid the best art exhibitions in Canberra. In the upcoming months, Canberra’s museums and galleries promise a visual feast, spotlighting the finest in Aussie, global, and First Nations art. 

For those eager to infuse a bit of culture into their routine, here’s the essential list of must-see art exhibitions, making your artistic exploration of Canberra truly remarkable.

In Bloom

One for the flower lovers, this free exhibition explores the innate beauty and enduring symbolism of flowers in art. Visitors are encouraged to explore over 50 portraits from the collection, as well as a curation of visiting pieces, and the meaning and allure behind the floral backdrops and centrepieces.

Free

Open until Sunday 19th April 2026

National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes Canberra

Super Kaylene Whisky

This dynamic, colourful and endlessly bold exploration by proud Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey is a must-visit for lovers of contemporary art. Whiskey combines pop culture, humour and Aṉangu culture in her works, which take viewers on a rich visual journey. The mixed media exhibit brings together public and privately owned works that range from painting to video and installation.

Tickets from $16 (mob view free)

Opens Saturday 15 November 2025 until Monday 9 March 2026

National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes Canberra

Enjoy This Trip: The Art of Music Posters

This lively exhibit exploring the intersection of art, music and graphic design has been curated from the National Gallery’s existing collection of international music posters from 1960s to 1980s. It’s funky, it’s psychedelic and it’s nostalgic.

Free

Until 26th February 2026

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT

Gabriella Bisetto

Artist Gabriella Bisetto’s sculptural display explores the human body and breath through the art of blowing glass. Her pieces communicate the fragility of the human experience through the tangible and abstract formations created by a single breath.

Free

Opening 6th November 2025 to 25th January 2026

Canberra Glassworks

Inheritance

Part of a three-phase project, Inheritance at Canberra Contemporary is an exploration by artist and curator Phuong Ngo’s reframing of war, displacement and the trauma of colonialism. The exhibition prompts viewers to reimagine and transform how we relate to trauma. Each phase of the project is a response to place and space and thus different from its former and future iterations.

Free

18th October 2025 to 14th January 2026

Canberra Contemporary

After a full day of gallery-hopping through the best art exhibitions in Canberra, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a delicious meal and a well-earned drink. Check out our guides to Canberra’s best restaurants and bars for all your eating and drinking needs.