COVID-19 safety updates
The National Archives manages its COVID-19 requirements based on ACT Health COVID-19 guidelines.
If you may have a contagious illness, please postpone your visit. We would love to see you when you are feeling better.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work through this together.
Visitor information
Exhibitions
We have 2 permanent exhibitions highlighting stories from the collection: Connections / Mura gadi and Voices / Dhuniai.
All exhibitions are open daily except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Opening hours are 9 am to 5 pm.
Cafe
Cafe Constitution offers great coffee and meals in a beautiful light-filled space at the heart of the National Archives. It's the perfect place to relax after checking out an exhibition.
Cafe Consitution will be closed on Christmas Day. It will be open from 10 am to 2:30 pm from Thursday 26 December to Sunday 5 January.
Cafe Constitution is open weekdays from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Hours are subject to change – please contact the cafe on 0456 962 851 before visiting to confirm opening and closing times.
Research Centre
Our Research Centre will be closed from Friday 20 December 2024, reopening on 9:30 am Thursday 2 January 2025.
You will need to request records to view and book a time to visit in advance. Please complete an advance request for records and we will contact you to confirm your booking. Alternatively, you can email us or call on 02 6212 3600.
At this time, we are only accepting visits to view records. If you have a query about the collection, please ask us a question online.
Onsite accessibility
People who use a wheelchair can access the National Archives through the main entrance on Kings Avenue or through the rear entrance facing the Western Carpark entrance.
There are accessible toilets on the ground floor of the building.
Wi-fi access
Free wi-fi is available for visitors.
Getting here
Car parking
There are long-stay car parks on either side of the National Archives building.
The small car park at the National Archives' main entrance is PAID parking 7 days a week. This includes disability parking spots. See Wilson Parking.
The large car park at the National Archives' rear entrance is PAID parking from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, and FREE on weekends. See parking fees set by the National Capital Authority.
Both the main entrance and the rear entrance to the National Archives building are wheelchair friendly.
The ticket machines accept payment by credit card or coins, or you can pay via the appropriate app.