• Free general admission
  • Open 9am-5pm daily, closed Christmas Day
  • Acton Peninsula, Canberra
  • 1800 026 132
collections

Collection interactives

Exploring the world at Port Macquarie

A screenshot image of the 'Exploring the World at Port Macquarie' multimedia interactive.


The Exploring the world at Port Macquarie interactive explores how three people – young artist, Annabella Innes, amateur astronomer, William MacDonnell, and agriculturalist, Thomas Dick – have investigated, recorded and responded to Port Macquarie's landscapes, plants, animals and people. From watercolour paintings of wild flowers, to star gazing, and investigating oyster culture, Port Macquarie has inspired scientific and historical inquiry for generations.

> Launch the Port Macquarie interactive

> Read more about the Port Macquarie exhibit in the Landmarks gallery

Flemington on Cup Day

A screenshot image of the 'Flemington on Cup day' multimedia interactive.


The Flemington on Cup Day interactive explores the workings and wonders of Flemington Racecourse on Melbourne Cup Day – hear about the five vowels of broadcasting from veteran race caller Greg Miles, find out what the 'monkey crouch' is, see how fashions have changed over the years, and check out some of the objects that are on display in the Flemington exhibit as part of the Landmarks gallery.

> Launch the Flemington on Cup Day interactive

Cricketing Journeys

Cricketing Journeys


The Australian cricket exhibit, on display in the Australian Journeys gallery, reveals how the game of cricket has connected Australia to the world.

Learn about the objects on display in the gallery and trace the stories of players who have participated in the transnational cricket community over 150 years.

> Launch the Cricketing Journeys - Flash interactive (Flash 10 compatible – download Flash)

> View the Cricketing Journeys HTML website

European voyages to the Australian continent

European voyages to the Australian continent

The European voyages exhibit, now on display in the Australian Journeys gallery, explores European voyages of discovery to Australia through four themes: trade, navigation, science and empire.

Find out how objects from these four themes were made, used or conserved and learn more about European voyages to Australia.

> View the European voyages to the Australian continent HTML website


> Launch the Banks' Florilegium - Flash interactive (Flash 9 compatible – download Flash)

> Launch the Voyaging with a needle - Flash interactive (Flash 9 compatible – download Flash)

Crimson Thread of Kinship

Crimson Thread of Kinship


The Crimson Thread of Kinship is a 12-metre-long embroidery representing the unfolding story of Australia. It depicts the changing landscape of the nation, beginning with Aboriginal occupation of the continent and finishing in the southern night sky.

Share the story behind the embroidery, learn about the history of needlework in Australia and meet the people who spent thousands of hours creating this magnificent work.

> Launch the Crimson Thread of Kinship - Flash interactive (Flash 8 compatible - download Flash)

> View the Crimson Thread of Kinship in HTML

Harvest of Endurance scroll

Harvest of Endurance scroll


Harvest of Endurance is a 50-metre-long scroll that represents two centuries of Chinese contact with, and emigration to, Australia. The scroll depicts stories of hardship and survival, resourcefulness and reward.

Learn more about the people and places featured in the scroll, about its creation and how the traditional colours and lines can be read.

> Launch the Harvest of Endurance scroll - Flash interactive (Flash 8 compatible - download Flash)

> View the Harvest of Endurance scroll in HTML

Jerilderie letter

Jerilderie letter


'I am a Widow's Son, outlawed and my orders must be obeyed'. With these chilling words bushranger Ned Kelly ended the Jerilderie letter, a detailed written justification of his actions. Kelly tried to have the 56-page letter published in Jerilderie in 1879, the year before he was hanged.

Read the full transcription of the Jerilderie letter and learn why this manifesto is regarded by some as an early call for an Australian republic.

> Launch the Jerilderie letter - Flash interactive (Flash 6 compatible - download Flash)

> View the Jerilderie letter in HTML

Oscar's sketchbook

Oscar's sketchbook



Oscar was a young Aboriginal man who grew up in Queensland in the 1880s. The drawings in his sketchbook appear to present an autobiographical account of his life, with Indigenous scenes and cross-cultural contact.

Flip through the 40 pages of Oscar's sketchbook. Share the intriguing story of the station owner who helped to preserve this unique personal snapshot of late nineteenth century Australia.

> Launch the Oscar's sketchbook - Flash interactive (3.3mb) (Flash 7 compatible - download Flash)

> View the Oscar's sketchbook in HTML