Seven blockbuster exhibitions you need to see this autumn
Posted on
Canberra’s cultural calendar is doing what it does best, providing us with world-class exhibitions and deeply local, story-driven experiences.
From global pop culture phenomena to powerful First Nations storytelling and immersive science, these exhibitions are well worth carving out time for.
Whether you’re planning a weekend gallery crawl or just looking for one standout show, here’s what to see before they’re gone.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave (National Museum)
If you’ve ever found yourself deep in a K-drama binge or attempting a viral K-pop dance at home, this one’s for you.
All the way from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Hallyu! celebrates the global rise of South Korean culture and creativity, from its history to becoming a worldwide phenomenon.
Inside, you’ll find more than 200 objects spanning K-pop, film, fashion and beauty, including dazzling idol outfits and original screen-used props. Expect interactive elements too, from dance experiences to all the information you need behind the fandoms that helped fuel Hallyu’s global takeover.
Don’t wait to experience this (or see it again), as this exhibition is closing soon!
Until Sunday 10 May | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Cresent, Acton | nma.gov.au
Wangka Wakaṉutja: The Story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre (National Library)
Explore the decades-long and remarkable efforts of the Papunya community to record language and culture to keep it alive.
A powerful celebration of language, storytelling and cultural preservation, this exhibition shines a spotlight on the extraordinary output of the Papunya Literature Production Centre.
Produced between 1975 and 1990, these bilingual Pintupi-Luritja books were created with guidance from community Elders and served as literacy tools for local children. But they are so much more, telling stories of first contact, Dreaming, everyday life and Country through vivid illustration and voice.
Featuring more than 350 works alongside photographs, manuscripts and oral histories, Wangka Wakaṉutja brings these stories to life, honouring both their creativity and cultural significance.
Saturday 4 April until Sunday 11 October | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra | library.gov.au
John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror (National Portrait Gallery)
What happens when two artists, separated by decades, start to mirror each other? This playful yet thought-provoking exhibition pairs more than 90 works by John Brack and Noel McKenna, revealing surprising parallels in how they draw on modern life.
Across racetrack characters, suburban interiors and quietly expressive portraits, both artists offer a wry, oftentimes satirical take on the everyday.
The longer you look, the more connections emerge, from their compositional style to their shared interest in the subtleties of the human experience.
Available until July, this deadpan but delightful exhibition is a must-see.
Until Sunday 19 July | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country (National Gallery of Australia)
Big in scale and even bigger in meaning, Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country is exactly what its name promises.
This artist-led exhibition brings together major works by senior First Nations artists and collectives from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, Coober Pedy and Tarntanya/Adelaide.
Through expansive canvases, sometimes bursting with colour, sometimes deliberately restrained, artists share powerful expressions of Tjukurpa (Aṉangu law/cultural stories) and their deep connection to Country.
It’s a striking reminder of the strength, continuity and creative force of First Nations storytelling.
Saturday 11 April until Sunday 23 August | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
The Press Gallery (Museum of Australian Democracy)
Step behind the scenes of Australia’s political history.
Housed within Old Parliament House, this exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of the journalists who once worked above the chambers, watching parliamentary debates unfold before racing back to file their stories.
It’s an intimate look at the pressure, proximity and chaos of political reporting from 1927 to 1988.
Open daily | Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House), 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People (Canberra Museum and Gallery)
Do you think you know Canberra? Think again. This major exhibition explores the many layers of the city, from its deep First Nations history to its evolution as Australia’s capital and the diverse communities who call it home today.
Through objects, artworks and moving image, Canberra/Kamberri, Place & People traces stories of belonging, identity and change, revealing a city that’s constantly being reshaped by the people within it.
Open daily | Canberra Museum and Gallery, 76 London Circuit, City| cmag.com.au
Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light (Questacon)
Part spectacle, part science, Illuminate is a sensory playground for curious minds.
Set in a vibrant, neon-lit environment, this interactive exhibition invites you to explore the science of light, the fastest traveller in the universe. Through hands on experiences and immersive displays, this exhibition will have you bending light, blending colours, playing with shadows and completely transforming your reflection.
Yes, it’s educational, but it’s also really fun! Go light up your curiosity at Illuminate.
Open daily | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Feature image: Questacon. Supplied.
