
National Film and Sound Archive
Preserving and celebrating Australia's audiovisual heritage through captivating exhibits and film screenings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

National Film and Sound Archive
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Preserving and celebrating Australia's audiovisual heritage through captivating exhibits and film screenings.
"A wonderful nostalgic display, well worth allowing an hour or so to visit and see the place."

Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy the rich history of Australian film and sound for free. A great budget-friendly option in Canberra!
Check Screening Times 🎬
Don't miss out on film screenings; check the NFSA website for schedules before your visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nostalgic Artefacts
Main Archive Display
Explore fascinating artifacts from Australian film, TV, and music history. A true trip down memory lane!

Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the Archive
Engage with well-mounted displays featuring touch screens with accompanying sound and video clips.

Film Screenings
Old and New Theatres
Catch diverse films and documentaries celebrating Australian cinema and culture. Check schedules!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Visit, Big Impact
Check Screening Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy the rich history of Australian film and sound for free. A great budget-friendly option in Canberra!
Check Screening Times 🎬
Don't miss out on film screenings; check the NFSA website for schedules before your visit.
Allow 1-2 Hours ⏳
Perfect for a quick drop-in, but allow ample time to explore exhibits and potentially a film.
Friendly Staff 😊
The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, ready to guide you through the archives.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy the rich history of Australian film and sound for free. A great budget-friendly option in Canberra!
Check Screening Times 🎬
Don't miss out on film screenings; check the NFSA website for schedules before your visit.
Allow 1-2 Hours ⏳
Perfect for a quick drop-in, but allow ample time to explore exhibits and potentially a film.
Friendly Staff 😊
The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, ready to guide you through the archives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the NFSA for its free entry, friendly and helpful staff, and the fascinating, well-presented historical exhibits. The Art Deco building is also a highlight. Some note that while the content is rich, the sheer volume of things to see might be limited for a full-day visit, suggesting it's ideal for a shorter, focused exploration.
"The NFSA is located in a beautiful building that shows off the history of Australian film and television. Despite the size and beauty of the NFSA there isn't actually a huge amount to see or do. The best part is you can spend probably 5-10 minutes in the archive (pictured) looking at some really interesting artefacts and read their history. Otherwise there's the old and new theatres that play various films/documentaries on related topics but you'd need to check the times if you want to enjoy them in full.
It's great that entry is free and the staff I met were all super friendly and helpful with any questions I had.
It's perfect for a quick drop in, but don't plan your whole day around it."
Giovanni
"obviously a very important place holding the history of Australian Television and movies and of course music ...some great history on the display and certainly a bit of a trip down memory lane .. archive is free to visit"
Warren Baird
"Wonderful friendly and helpful staff who directed us to where everything was. Really well thought out display of physical archives, and excellent use of technology using tablets to describe each piece (some with accompanying sound/video clips). Taking the time to read/view each was a joy, and took away from the clutter you sometimes find in similar exhibits. Absolutely left us wanting more, but would happily return to see the next display."
Sarah H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The NFSA is located at McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT 2601. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Public transport options include ACTION buses that stop nearby. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the city centre or nearby attractions like the Australian National University.
Yes, there is parking available at the NFSA. It's generally sufficient for visitors, but it's always a good idea to arrive a little early during peak times or if you're attending a special event.
Absolutely! The NFSA is situated in a beautiful part of Canberra, and it's a pleasant walk from many central locations, including the Parliamentary Triangle and the Australian National University.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the National Film and Sound Archive is free! This makes it a fantastic and accessible way to experience Australia's audiovisual heritage.
For general entry to the archive displays, booking in advance is not usually required as it's free. However, if you plan to attend a specific film screening or a special event, it's highly recommended to check the NFSA website and book your tickets as they can sell out.
The NFSA is typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official NFSA website (nfsa.gov.au) for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially for specific galleries, theatres, and any potential holiday closures.
Yes, the NFSA often hosts special exhibitions that delve deeper into specific aspects of Australian film, television, and sound history. These are usually included with general admission or may require a separate ticket, so check their website for current offerings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore fascinating displays of Australian film and sound history, view historical artifacts, engage with interactive touch screens, and watch films or documentaries in their theatres. It's a journey through the nation's audiovisual past.
Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient for a good overview of the exhibits. If you plan to watch a film screening, you'll need to allocate additional time accordingly.
Yes, the NFSA is housed in a beautiful Art Deco building that is a significant heritage site in itself, adding to the overall experience of visiting.
The exhibits generally appeal to a wide range of ages, offering a nostalgic trip for older visitors and educational insights for younger ones. Film screenings may have age recommendations.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the public exhibition areas, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted. Always check for signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The NFSA typically does not have an onsite cafe or restaurant. However, there are numerous dining options available in the nearby Acton and Civic areas of Canberra, offering a variety of cuisines.
While there isn't a specific cafe, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or outside the exhibition spaces to help preserve the artifacts and displays.
📸 📸 Photography
The Art Deco architecture of the building itself is a great subject. Inside, the displays of vintage film equipment, posters, and artifacts offer unique photographic moments.
Yes, personal photography is usually allowed in the public exhibition areas. However, it's important to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash or tripods that might obstruct views or damage exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎬 Film Buffs & History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Australian Audiovisual Heritage
Within the NFSA, you'll find a thoughtfully curated selection of artifacts and interactive displays. These exhibits often highlight significant moments in Australian cinema, iconic television shows, and influential music artists. The use of touch screens with accompanying sound and video clips enhances the visitor experience, allowing for a deeper dive into the context and impact of each piece. It’s a place where you can truly feel the pulse of Australia’s creative past.
Beyond the static displays, the NFSA actively engages the public through its historic theatres. These venues regularly screen a diverse range of films, from classic Australian features to contemporary documentaries and experimental works. Checking the screening schedule is a must for film enthusiasts, as it offers a unique opportunity to see works on the big screen in a historically significant setting. The combination of archival treasures and cinematic experiences makes the NFSA a compelling destination for anyone interested in Australian culture.
The NFSA Building: An Art Deco Gem
Walking through the NFSA, visitors can appreciate the historical significance of the architecture while immersing themselves in the exhibits. The building's design complements the nostalgic nature of the collections, creating a cohesive and memorable experience. It’s a testament to thoughtful heritage conservation, allowing visitors to connect with both the content and the context of Australia's audiovisual history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit