National Museum, Canberra

The National Museum’s architecture is outstanding.
 
It was with some trepidation that this reviewer recently joined the half million or so annual visitors to the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, but it was an experience not to be forgotten. Opened in 2001, the museum’s breathtaking architecture, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, is equalled only by its outstanding exhibits and the eagerness of its support staff.

 The exterior’s stark surprising angles and curves are matched by shockingly vivid colours. Once habituated to the roller-coaster skateboard theme, the building grows on all but the most conservative. The courtyards become friendly and there is a new experience at every turn.

The interior is equally well designed. The roomy entrance hall serves a variety of purposes as it leads to a unique rotating three-stage Circa theatre that presents an excellent ten-minute introduction to the carefully crafted exhibits.

Not surprisingly, Aboriginal, rural and migrant themes take precedence over Australia’s scientific, academic and industrial achievements, but this imbalance is soon forgotten as display after display informs and entertains. Children are not forgotten. There are many cubbyholes for the children to explore as their elders take in the more sophisticated exhibits.

The museum also sponsors a number of outreach and educational programs.

Plan to spend at least half a day there. The leg-weary have plenty of seats inside. There is also ample free car parking and no museum entry charge. For details, go to the website www.nma.gov.au.