 Since its official opening in 1982, the National Gallery of Australia has become an integral part of Australian cultural life and the international art world. It initiates and hosts major exhibitions sourced internationally on a regular basis and lends works of art to exhibitions both in Australia and around the world. The permanent collection spans some 5,000 years of international art and more than 30,000 years of indigenous Australian culture.
The Sculpture Garden, three hectares stretching from the National Gallery building to the lake, is landscaped with native plants and contains sculptures by Australian and international artists. It is a perfect picnic spot.
 The Children’s Gallery at the National Gallery of Australia has a constantly changing exhibition program. Special events for children, especially during school holidays, are also organised – tours, workshops, movies, etc.
The National Gallery’s public programs include lectures, performances, films and talks by staff and artists. Voluntary Guides conduct tours of Australian and International Art at 11am and 2pm daily, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, at 11am on Thursdays and Sundays.
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