Shine Dome
A striking 1959 concrete hemisphere with a moat, resembling a UFO. Home to the Australian Academy of Science.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the dazzling reflections
Shine Dome
Best Time
Witness the dazzling reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking 1959 concrete hemisphere with a moat, resembling a UFO. Home to the Australian Academy of Science.
"It looks just like a UFO hovering above a lake, very fitting for Canberra!"
🕶️ Bring Sunglasses
The copper exterior can cause intense glare, especially around 3:45 PM.
✨ Nighttime Beauty
The building and its moat are said to be beautiful when lit up at night.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The UFO-like Exterior
Exterior
A striking concrete hemisphere surrounded by a moat, resembling a UFO hovering over water. A true architectural marvel.
Heritage Architecture
Exterior & Interior
Recognized for its heritage significance, this 1959 building is a testament to mid-century design.
The Theatre Space
Interior
A well-regarded lecture space with ample seating, perfect for presentations and events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mind the Shine!
More Than Just a Pretty Dome
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕶️ Bring Sunglasses
The copper exterior can cause intense glare, especially around 3:45 PM.
✨ Nighttime Beauty
The building and its moat are said to be beautiful when lit up at night.
🏛️ Heritage Gem
Appreciate its status as a listed heritage architecture of the ACT.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕶️ Bring Sunglasses
The copper exterior can cause intense glare, especially around 3:45 PM.
✨ Nighttime Beauty
The building and its moat are said to be beautiful when lit up at night.
🏛️ Heritage Gem
Appreciate its status as a listed heritage architecture of the ACT.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Shine Dome's unique, UFO-like architecture and its surrounding moat, often describing it as a heritage gem. While many appreciate its aesthetic appeal and its function as a venue, some note that its primary purpose is for events, meaning interior access is limited unless attending a function.
"I have driven past this building all my life but only recently went to have a closer look. It is beautifully built and I love the moat around the outside, it looks just like a UFO hovering above a lake, very fitting for Canberra!
We did not attend an event, we simply went to look at the building."
Lindy Karpish
"We had a few events here recently. Really great place. Their theatre is the best.we had a good experience. Staff was very helpful and approachable. I cannot believe that they had a 60th birthday for this place. Really good place"
Ziauddin Mohammad
"A listed heritage architecture of ACT, now the headquarter of Australian Academy of Science. Fine convention and dining facility."
Ruiqi He
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shine Dome is located at the Australian National University (ANU) campus. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options to ANU are also available.
Yes, there are parking facilities available on the ANU campus. It's advisable to check the ANU parking website for the most current information on locations and fees.
Absolutely! The grounds around the Shine Dome are accessible, and many visitors enjoy walking around the moat to admire the architecture from different angles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to view the exterior and grounds of the Shine Dome is usually free. However, if you plan to attend a specific event or conference held within the dome, you will need to purchase tickets for that event.
The Shine Dome itself functions as a venue, so its internal access is typically tied to scheduled events. The exterior and surrounding grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours.
Yes, the Shine Dome is a popular venue for conferences, functions, and private events. You can inquire directly with the Australian Academy of Science for booking information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors enjoy simply admiring the unique architecture from the outside, especially the moat. If there's an event, attending it offers a chance to see the interior and its theatre space.
Definitely! Its distinctive shape and the moat provide excellent photographic opportunities, particularly during golden hour or when illuminated at night.
The Shine Dome hosts a variety of events, including scientific conferences, lectures, award ceremonies, and private functions like birthday parties.
As a modern venue, the Shine Dome is generally designed to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility details if needed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shine Dome offers catering services for events held within the venue. For casual dining, there are numerous cafes and restaurants on the ANU campus and in nearby Canberra city.
Typically, dining at the Shine Dome is reserved for event attendees. You would need to be part of a catered function to dine inside.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon offers dramatic reflections from the copper exterior. Nighttime, when the dome is illuminated, also provides stunning photo opportunities.
Generally, exterior photography is permitted. If you are attending an event inside, check with the organizers regarding any internal photography policies.
Its unique hemispherical shape, the surrounding moat, and the reflective copper panels create a visually striking subject from various angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking the Australian Academy of Science's schedule for any public science events that might be suitable for families. These can offer a chance to experience the interior and engage with science in a fun, accessible manner.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, experiment with different angles from around the moat. The building also looks spectacular when illuminated at night, offering a completely different mood. If you're attending an event, be sure to capture the interior's unique theatre space as well.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
Its construction involved significant engineering feats for the time, utilizing pre-stressed concrete to achieve the expansive, unsupported dome. The moat serves both an aesthetic purpose, enhancing the 'hovering' effect, and a practical one, potentially aiding in temperature regulation. The copper exterior is a key feature, contributing to its unique visual appeal and, as some visitors note, its tendency to create dazzling reflections.
Today, the Shine Dome serves as the headquarters for the Australian Academy of Science. It continues to be a vibrant hub for scientific discourse, hosting numerous conferences, lectures, and public events. Its blend of historical significance and ongoing utility makes it a fascinating site for both architecture enthusiasts and those interested in science and innovation.
Experiencing the Shine Dome
For those interested in its function, attending an event at the Shine Dome offers a deeper experience. The venue is praised for its theatre space, which is noted for its comfortable seating and good acoustics, making it ideal for lectures and presentations. Reviews highlight the helpfulness and approachability of the staff, contributing to a positive experience for event attendees.
Whether you're there for a specific function or just to admire the building, the Shine Dome offers a unique perspective on Canberra's architectural landscape. Its blend of historical importance and its role as a center for scientific engagement makes it a noteworthy destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit