Nga Dining Room - Australia

"Another great free attraction in Canberra! While it may not be the largest art gallery I've visited, it offers a lovely selection of artwork. The standout feature of their collection, compared to other national art galleries, is their impressive display of Aboriginal art. It's definitely worth a visit!"

**Ambiance:** The gallery is overflowing with art, so much so that it spills outside the building. Entry can take some time as you explore the various installations. We wandered around a stunning water feature that played with echoes, leaving us in awe of the creativity involved. A mesh ball is suspended between a bridge and the building, and there’s also a lovely sculpture garden. If you’re an art enthusiast (and you likely know if you are), you could easily spend a whole day here. Art is everywhere, and the permanent exhibits are captivating enough to hold the attention of both kids and adults for several hours. If you think I'm exaggerating, you might be missing out on something special. **Service:** The staff at the front desk efficiently processed our pre-purchased tickets (which is essential for the Toulouse Lautrec exhibition, as they manage entry by timed groups). They were quick to assist and guided us through the catalogue, recommending we claim the nearly 300-page booklet after our visit, along with our vouchers for a glass of bubbly. The security team is very vigilant in the gallery; I only heard the "NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED" reminder once, but I did notice the sensors going off a few times, as well as security checking areas via walkie-talkies. The water gallery was stunning, and the security officer stationed there was friendly and shared interesting information about some of the pieces, which added depth to my experience—otherwise, I would have just been silently admiring them. **Food:** We enjoyed scones with jam and cream alongside our Chandon Brut. The NGA café offers light meals and drinks (no hard liquor) all day until about 4:30 or 5 PM. The scones were freshly made and served warm with jam and whipped cream. While whipped cream is the norm these days, I think a dollop of thicker cream would have elevated the dish even more (pun intended). **Additional Information:** The portrait gallery is within a decent walking distance, while other landmarks may require a bit more effort to reach. If you find yourself in the area soon, please don’t miss the Queen’s diamond jubilee portrait. It is absolutely breathtaking. As someone who doesn’t usually delve into the art world, I have no words to express just how beautiful that portrait is.

I drove down from Sydney and was fortunate to experience the James Turrell exhibition. I took the time to stop, observe, and ponder the connections between light and color and their impact on perception. The exhibition featured a variety of artworks, including 2D drawings that illustrated the concept of perception, transforming objects into 3D images. There were also light projections that created holograms and 3D shapes appearing from the walls, as well as reflections unlike anything I've ever encountered. The final room was incredible; I became part of the artwork. It was a large space filled with changing lights that altered the perception of the room's size. If you're a fan of art, this is definitely a must-see! Unfortunately, photography was not permitted, but I encourage you to experience it for yourself!

The prices are reasonable, but be warned: no photography allowed! Much like Australia itself, the museum is vast and sprawling. If you're uncertain about where to begin, you can join a free walking tour with a docent, but don’t hesitate to be assertive about what you want to see. I was hoping for a sort of sampling of different exhibits, but the guide ended up spending 40 minutes on Aboriginal art and only 10 minutes on expressionism before telling me to explore on my own. If I could do it over again, I would have asked to see just a few examples from three or four different sections of the museum. I'm particularly fond of portraiture, and there’s a painting of Miss Nellie Patterson that reminds me of Gainsborough's Blue Boy and Pinkie. It captures all the dreamy aspirations of childhood, although Miss Nellie does seem a bit unhappy about being painted! If you're an art enthusiast, this is definitely a reason to visit Canberra. And if you're someone who appreciates art and are taking a break from the more active adventures Australia has to offer, I recommend setting aside at least half a day here; a full day would be even better.

There's ample free parking available beneath the building, although finding a spot during the day can be challenging. The gallery has no entry fee and offers visitors the chance to explore a vast array of works in its permanent collection. A small fee is required to see the temporary exhibitions. The collection includes some stunning pieces, showcasing a wonderful blend of Australian and international art.