National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia, opened in this purpose-built museum, designed by Howard Raggatt, following a theme of knotted ropes, on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin in 2001, preserves and interprets the social history of Australia, with a particular focus on the people and events that have shaped the nation.  The iconic building was built on the site of the Royal Canberra Hospital, which was demolished in 1997 in a tragic mismanaged implosion.  The museum has many exhibitions which are filled with treasured artefacts and pictures.  It profiles 50,000 years of indigenous history and has a fine collection of Aboriginal art.  There is an important Research Centre.  The museum also features an interactive children adventure gaming area, making this site enjoyable for all ages.