So (surprise, surprise), Parliament House doesn’t cut it, you’ve been to the War Memorial, are well beyond Questacon and you’re not after a policy debate.  Lucky there is an addition to the Capital well worth making the trip to Canberra for.

The new and improved National Gallery of Australia opens its doors today. Boasting a new entrance and wing, including 11 galleries, a must-see garden sculpture and Gallery Shop, this is a unique space for art admirers, events and exhibitions.

Call in at dusk on the new Australian Garden and you’ll find James Turrell’s Within without 2010, the only work of its kind in Australia.  This partly subterranean installation creates an immersive viewing experience using space, shape and light to alter your perception of the sky.

Wander through the largest collection of Australian Indigenous art in the world (more than 7500 works of art) and explore Life, death and magic: 2000 years of Southeast Asian ancestral art (on show until 31 October).

Later this month Anton Bruehl’s stunning photographs 1920s – 1950s will be showcased, along with the beautifully executed, often hilarious and contemporary works by our top urban guerrillas in Space Invaders: Australian street, stencils, posters, paste-ups, zines and stickers. 

Canberra just became a whole lot more cool (and we’re not talking about the weather).

National Gallery of Australia
Parkes Place
Parkes, Canberra 2601
Open daily 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (closed Christmas day)