Blockbuster exhibitions to warm up a Canberra winter
Posted on
The general consensus is that when June hits, Canberrans hibernate – but with so many winter exhibitions on, why would you want to stay home?
The perfect excuse for a cosy day out exploring our national institutions, winter in Canberra always brings with it a string of amazing blockbuster exhibitions that will impress even the most dedicated culture vulture.
Here are six you need to visit ASAP.
Cézanne to Giacometti (National Gallery of Australia)
Running until Sunday 21 September, Cézanne to Giacometti: highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie marks the first time works from this internationally significant collection will be seen in Australia, making it a must-visit for fans of European and Australian art.
Presenting a journey through the dynamic changes in the world of art in the twentieth century, this major exhibition examines the moments of contact and exchange between groundbreaking European artists and their Australian counterparts.
Book those tickets – the exhibition is set to be epic, bringing together over 80 works from the Berggruen collection with more than 75 works from the National Gallery’s collection, from the avant-garde visions of Paul Cézanne and Pablo Picasso to the works of Australian artists Russell Drysdale and Grace Cossington Smith.
Until Sunday 21 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
ZAP! CLANK! POW! (Questacon)
Looking for something the kids will enjoy just as much as you? ZAP! CLANK! POW! is a hands-on exhibition packed full of science, perfect for a fun and educational day out. Featuring 17 highly interactive exhibits, from electrical generators to gear-grinding machines and magnetics marvels, you’ll explore the exciting world of electricity, machines, and motion.
Sparking curiosity and letting you get hands on – become a battery, lift herculean loads with levers and use mechanisms to make mechanical music – it will keep all ages entertained.
Open daily | Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Camel trains to steel wheels: life on the Trans-Australian Railway (National Archives of Australia)
In this special exhibition, you’ll explore a colourful chapter of Australia’s history!
Featuring fascinating archival records, photos and footage that captured the events and challenges from the railway’s first 60 years – including its impact on First Nations people – it explores the Trans-Australian Railway. From the construction effort and its diverse workforce to the unique lives of communities that sprang up along the line, this is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in Australia’s railway history.
Until Sunday 19 October | National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
REFLECTION: 50 Years of the Australian Honours System (The Royal Australian Mint)
Consider this your sign to rediscover the Royal Australian Mint. Open until February 2026 Reflection: 50 Years of the Australian Honours System is a new exhibition recognising the Australian honours system and the outstanding service and contributions of Australians making a difference.
Created to celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to improving local communities, demonstrated courage and bravery, and served in response to nationally significant emergencies, you’ll be taken on a journey through original medal sketches, to finished medals, to coins that commemorate significant. Plus, you’ll have the chance to see rare coins from the National Coin Collection!
Until Sunday 15 February 2026 | The Royal Australian Mint, 62-114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
Taglietti: Life in Design (Canberra Museum and Gallery)
Open from Saturday 7 June, Canberra Museum and Gallery is presenting this landmark exhibition to celebrate the extraordinary life and career of the renowned Italian Australian architect Enrico Taglietti.
A visionary whose design principles shaped modern Australian architecture and left an indelible imprint on Canberra, you’ll explore his life, philosophy, and legacy through original drawings, models and furniture, as well as spatial interventions (which are integrated throughout the exhibition). On until February 2026, this exhibition is ideal for art lovers and history buffs alike!
Until Sunday 22 February 2026 | Canberra Museum and Gallery, corner London Circuit and Civic Square, City | cmag.com.au
In Bloom
In Bloom explores the beauty and symbolism of flowers. Featuring more than 50 portraits from the National Portrait Gallery collection, new acquisitions and selected loans, you will discover how flowers have long been used in art to express emotion and convey messages of personal, cultural and religious significance.
The show is a weird and wonderful floral extravaganza that includes much-loved and lesser-known works from the collection. See socialites, chefs, musicians, actors, doctors and politicians who are all unified by their accompanying floral markers.
Saturday 31 May 2025 until Sunday 19 April 2026 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Feature image: National Gallery of Australia. Via Facebook.
