![Portrait of William [Billy] Hughes](/sites/default/files/styles/condensed_event_item_195x213_/public/2025-03/EV-condensed-hughes-11198546.jpg?h=b8fac9cc&itok=EhlM42sM)
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 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 is open Monday to Friday except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Opening hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
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
Accessibility
Accessing the building
You can access the building via the:
- main entrance on Kings Avenue
- rear entrance facing the large carpark.
Parking
There are designated accessible parking spaces in the:
- small carpark next to the main entrance
- large carpark at the rear entrance.
Toilets
There are accessible toilets on the ground floor of the building
Parking
Limited parking on weekdays
Weekday parking near National Archives is currently limited. This is due to ongoing construction and temporary carpark closures.
You should arrive early to secure a parking space or consider other forms of transport.
For the most up-to-date parking information, visit the National Capital Authority's website.
Small carpark
There is a small carpark next to the main entrance.
It includes designated accessible parking spaces.
The small carpark is paid parking 7 days a week.
Wilson Parking determines parking fees.
Large carpark
There is a large carpark at the rear entrance.
It includes designated accessible parking spaces.
The large carpark is:
- paid parking from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
- free outside these times and on weekends.
The National Capital Authority determines parking fees.
Other parking locations
The John Gorton Building East multi-level carpark is a large undercover facility located 550 metres from our main entrance. Entry is via the intersection of Blackall Street and Kings Avenue.
The carpark is paid parking 7 days a week.
The National Capital Authority determines parking fees.
Paying for parking
You can pay for parking using:
- credit and debit cards
- cash
- mobile payment applications.
