Australian Capital Territory · Attraction
National Film and Sound Archive
Australia's screen and sound heritage
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) preserves and shares the nation's moving image and recorded sound heritage from an architecturally significant Art Deco building in Canberra's cultural precinct. Admission to the permanent galleries and exhibitions is free, making it one of the best-value cultural attractions in the city. Visitors can explore the history of Australian film, radio, and television through artefacts, interactive displays, and regular cinema screenings.
The NFSA's permanent collection spans more than 3 million items, including feature films, documentaries, newsreels, television programs, and oral histories that together form an irreplaceable record of Australian cultural life. The galleries present rotating exhibitions drawn from this collection, covering topics from early silent cinema to contemporary screen culture. The building itself, originally constructed as the Institute of Anatomy in the 1920s, is a heritage-listed landmark well worth exploring.
The NFSA cinema screens classic Australian films, rare archival works, and special event programs throughout the year, with tickets available separately. A visit pairs naturally with the surrounding Acton cultural precinct, which includes the National Museum of Australia directly across the lake. The NFSA also maintains a research centre and is the custodian of iconic Australian recordings and broadcasts.
Where to stay
Holiday parks near National Film and Sound Archive.
2 options via our booking partner
Canberra Holiday Village
6km away
Eaglehawk Holiday Park Canberra
13.4km away
Bookings handled by our partner Parkbooker. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Scenic views
