We have some excellent news. NAIDOC Week is in full swing, and the National Museum of Australia has put together a rich program of First Nations art, culture, workshops and guided experiences at Acton Peninsula. 

While the week is moving quickly, there is still plenty to see before the celebrations wrap up. 

 

Catch a master muralist in action 

Head to the Gandel Atrium to see acclaimed Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung artist Dr Jandamarra Cadd at work on a live mural. 

Cadd, a Archibald Prize finalist, has been creating the piece throughout NAIDOC Week, with the finished mural staying on display until 20 July. 

There are also final painting workshop sessions for children and young people aged 4 to 17, giving participants the chance to explore the ideas behind the work and create their own artwork. 

 

Clay, country, and connection 

Take some time to explore From Little Things, Big Things GROW, a free exhibition of First Nations ceramic sculptures in the Gandel Atrium. 

Initiated and curated by Gunngarri/Kamilaroi Elder Aunty Jude Hammond, the display brings together community cultural arts projects that reflect connection to Country, creativity and cultural revitalisation. 

The exhibition is free to view and remains on display until 19 July.

A rare global restoration project 

Down in the lower gallery, visitors can see something truly special: renowned Haida artist Clarence Mills from British Columbia restoring the Museum’s iconic Haida totem pole. 

It is a rare opportunity to watch a master artist work on a piece of this scale in person, and a reminder of the connections between First Nations storytelling, cultural practice and custodianship across the world. 

The restoration project continues daily until 31 July.

The daily 3pm stroll 

For more context on the stories held within the Museum, book into the free First Australians gallery tour. 

Running daily at 3pm until 12 July, the guided tour explores First Nations peoples, histories, cultures and connections to Country. 

Bookings are essential, so it’s worth securing a spot before heading to Lawson Crescent. 

 

THE ESSENTIALS: 

Location: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula
Dates/Times: NAIDOC Week program highlights running daily to 12 July 2026 (totem pole restoration continuing until 31 July)
Ticketing/Booking: Free entry for exhibitions and daily tours (bookings essential for tours); painting workshops are $16 to $20 with bookings required 

Find out more HERE.