This was our 2nd visit but was still worthwhile. The VR display was not ready. The last one we went to was good, so the next one will be worth attending. The First People display was good. The hanging orcas in different poses is a stunning display. The cafe is good. We had a fruit bowl, it was large. The orange and almond cake was tasty and not dry. The spanakopita was really full of spinach. The Mexican bean was expected to be a tortilla. But it was deconstructed which was fine. Except that the tortilla had been replaced with fried versions.

This place has emerged as one of the best places to visit in Canberra, second only to the War Memorial (and possibly even better in some eyes). It stages shows of all types, has a good cafe, and is in such a prime position. It has gone from strength to strength under the present Director. It values its "friends" (who include us) by providing a nice area in which to sit, and benefits that are worthwhile.

Specializing in portraying the Australian Indigenous heritage along with a number of other uniquely specific Australian artifacts, it is a place one could spend many hours being mesmerized by the stunning displays. Absolutely visually breath-taking, with so much to see and do, boredom, even among children, is highly unlikely to be an option. The car park allows for up to four hours of parking and would be well worth considering.

This stunning building is one of the last major places I’ve visited in the capital. It’s family friendly and as beautiful on the inside as out. We visited on a public holiday and the car park was full, so take that into consideration when planning. It was also raining and there’s little protection from the sweeping veranda as you enter, but warm and roomy within. We spent about 3 hours, as 4 adults, and viewed the general gallery, which is a non-sequential array of Australian things past and present, artistically arranged, a floor of machinery and history, another of First Australians and then we attended the VR presentation of Antarctica which was brilliant. Other exhibitions were on offer. There are outside displays, too, if weather permits. There was time to sit in the large cafe, where views and food are wide-ranging, although the latter a little pricey. the gift shop is full of fabulous temptations. A free (if you don’t attend a special exhibition) event that will certainly entertain and educate people of any age.

Like most museums for people who like exploring museums there is something of interest to see in the National Museum. A nice setting at the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. I walked there from the city. The current free entry Great Southern Land Exhibition has some fascinating exhibits and stories. Various themes mix natural and cultural history. Indigenous times through to climate change science (e.g. a drill that was used to extract ice cores from Antarctica). Great aesthetics. There were many items that caught my attention, things I had read or heard about but not seen. Some hands on activities for families. A good café. Gift Shop has some nice things though pricey. Can also sit outdoors and take in the lake and surrounds.

Ohh wow, we really didn't expect the museum to be so big. There is a parking however you have to pay to park. There are spaces dedicated to long veihcules. We only paid for an hour. That was before seeing the size of the museum. You definetly need more than an hour to visit. At least 2 hours. Also good for kids.

We visit the NMA each time we come to Canberra. This time it was to see the Feared and Revered exhibition - which is EXCELLENT!!! 10 stars out of 5. The museum itself has changed a bit since we were last there but was lacking anything really new to see (in fact we think there are less displays than our last visit). The rotating theatre is gone, and so is the more kid focused space where your art was put into a computer. Still worth the visit but maybe only if you are seeing an advertised exhibit.