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. 

Across the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, galleries and museums in Canberra will host numerous exhibitions that are well worth your time. 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.

Ryan Presley: Paradise Won

Located prominently at the entrance of the National Portrait Gallery, Paradise Won by Ryan Presley draws viewers into a world of First Nations autonomy and survival, sparking conversations about the impacts of colonisation in Australia. Presley’s work features intricate references to Australian flora and religion, and is a strong blend of art and activism, highlighting First Nations resilience.

The narrative-driven exhibition challenges historical power structures and reclaims the role of portraiture in art, with each panel capturing themes of youth incarceration, deaths in custody, urban displacement, and the environmental toll of mining on Traditional Lands.

Open until May 2025

National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes Canberra

Carol Jerrems: Portraits

If you’re looking for an exhibition celebrating the incredible women in Australia – add this to your ‘must-see’ list. Carol Jerrems: Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery is a powerful exploration of one of Australia’s most influential photographers, capturing an era of social transformation in the 1970s. Jerrems’ intimate, dramatic portraits of friends, activists, and cultural icons like Anne Summers and Evonne Goolagong provide a vivid look into the women’s movement, First Nations activism, and youth subcultures.

Marking the 50th anniversary of her most pivotal work – A Book About Australian Women – this exhibition features over 140 works including iconic images and rarely-seen gems.

Open November 30th, 2024 to March 2nd, 2025

National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

This remarkable exhibition showcases over 260 historical and contemporary works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from the national and Wesfarmers collections, spanning diverse themes such as Country, ceremony, identity, and resistance.

Making a final stop at the National Gallery after a celebrated national and international tour, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia celebrates First Nations art while confronting Australia’s complex histories, challenging stereotypes and mainstream narratives through wit, satire, and bold juxtapositions. The exhibition’s themes highlight the resilience and ongoing presence of Australia’s First Peoples, encouraging essential dialogue around our past and present.

Open until August 24th, 2025

National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT

Behind The Lines 2024

Since you’re in the ACT, you may as well take the chance to chuckle and ponder at Behind the Lines 2024, where political satire takes centre stage. This vibrant exhibition spotlights the genius of Australian cartoonists, blending wit, insight, and a touch of mischief into every stroke.

From seasoned pros to rising stars, artists from all corners of Australia deliver political cartoons, paintings, GIFs, sculptures and even cheeky puppets. This year, ‘No guts, no glory‘ is the name of the cartooning game, capturing the year of the Olympics and Paralympics that kept headlines buzzing. 

Opening November 29th, 2024

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

The Library at NSFA

Step into The Library at the National Sound and Film Archive of Australia for a hefty and vibrant dose of pop culture. This Art-Deco gem is a fabulous celebration of all things quirky and cool, boasting over 280 treasures from the NFSA’s extensive collection.

From vintage gadgets to childhood favourites, it’s a nostalgic playground where history meets whimsy. Trace the evolution of tech through iconic items like the View-Master, iPod Shuffle and boombox, then go back in time with beloved TV classics and musical legends. With free admission and open seven days a week, you won’t want to miss this – it’s easily one of the best art exhibitions in Canberra!

Open 7 days a week, free entry

National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton

Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland

The National Museum of Australia continues to showcase Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland, a collection of exciting works by First Nations artists that explore their relationship to Country.

As one of the best art exhibitions in Canberra, you’ll find paintings, sculptures, multimedia pieces and more on display, created by a selection of veteran and rising artists from the region. This is the third and final exhibition in a series of three, so be sure to visit this incredible display before it’s too late.

Until March 2025

National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra

Shades of Shadows

Discover a whole new world of light and shadow at the Canberra Museum and Gallery’s Shades of Shadows exhibition. Glass artist Hannah Gason invites you on a journey where light dances with architectural forms, inspired by the visionary work of Frank Hinder.

Just like Hinder’s iconic designs that shaped Canberra’s landscape, Gason’s pieces weave together harmony, movement, and luminosity. As you explore, watch how light transforms and plays tricks with glass, creating an enchanting display of shapes and textures, captivating the endless possibilities of light and glass. 

Open until November 17th, 2024

Canberra Museum and Gallery, Corner London Circuit and City Square, Canberra

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.