Foyer
Your first encounter with the collection – highlights and stories on arrival.
Our warm and open foyer is home to a rotating display of collection highlights and curios.
See posters from Australian cinema history, as well as sculptures of eminent scientists, acknowledging our building’s history as the Institute of Anatomy.
Visitors will be greeted by our friendly staff who can help you with details about the building, experiences, film program and specific items of interest.
While you're here, don't forget to look up! The large stained-glass skylight features a stylised platypus - a rare example of glazing from the British company Luxfer. You may notice that the platypus features symbolically throughout the building as Sir Colin MacKenzie (the first Director of the Australian Institute of Anatomy) believed the ancient monotreme was the link between mammal, bird and reptile.
Opening hours
General
Daily 10 am—4 pm
Closed Christmas Day
Closed New Year’s Day
Explore our spaces
Our building
Discover highlights and curiosities from Australia’s audiovisual history throughout our Art Deco building.
What's On in Canberra
There’s plenty to do, see and experience at NFSA Acton. See interactive displays, special events and film screenings all week at our Canberra hub.
Accessibility
Everyone can visit the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra. Find details on wheelchair access, audio and visual support, our visual story and more.
Sign up to our What's On email
Want to hear more about upcoming installations, events and experiences at NFSA Acton? Sign up to our What's On email.