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Exhibitions and presentations

Visit the NFSA and wander through our film and sound galleries or see one of the daily presentations about the rich audiovisual history of Australia!

Foyer gallery

Blizzards, radio waves, penguins, gramophone records and filmmakers, this exhibition celebrates 100 years of Australian Antarctic Expeditions and the anniversary of Sir Douglas Mawson’s 1911-1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition.

On display in the Foyer Gallery until August 2012.

100 years of Australian film and sound

The exhibition gallery is showing a fascinating interactive exhibition covering 100 years of Australian film, television, radio and recorded sound.

Through video compilations and touch screen programs, visitors can discover the stories of the people who have created the sights and sounds of our imagination over the past century — amateurs and professionals, actors, writers, inventors, directors, radio personalities, opera singers and more.

Pause and Play

Pause and Play is the new space in the exhibition gallery, which introduces children aged three to nine years, to the colourful world of music and the moving image. Bring out the kid in you and 'pause’ and 'play’ with some crafty educational activities.

You can draw your very own film strip, have a go at making a thaumatrope or find out about a musical instrument you have never heard of. Check out the family tree of film and sound and see some of the audiovisual equipment that your parents or even your great grandparents would have used.

Kids trail

If you’re looking for more action, take a stroll around our newly installed kids trail. Ned the wombat and Nellie the platypus will take you on a guided tour of film and sound memorabilia in the exhibition gallery. Can you follow the clues to find out where Ned and Nellie are hiding?

Presentations:

Archive Alive! — free for general public

Take an exciting journey through Australia’s screen and sound history with our experienced presenters. The whole family can check out Archive Alive — Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 3pm, free of charge. This is a fabulous introduction to some of our national audiovisual treasures. For group bookings please contact 02 6248 2000. Please note fees will apply.