One of the best ways to get to know the Territory is through its museums, galleries and cultural centres. You can discover local art, meet some of the characters who shaped the NT and learn more about the landscapes, wildlife and events that communities still talk about today.
Some are major museums you can easily spend a few hours exploring, while others are smaller local collections and Aboriginal-owned art centres closely connected to their community. Whether you’re new to the NT or have lived here for years, there is always another Territory story to discover.
Stories that shaped the Territory
Territory museums are full of stories you will not find anywhere else.
At MAGNT Darwin, you can meet Sweetheart the crocodile, revisit Cyclone Tracy and explore collections spanning art, natural science and maritime history.
Further south, Megafauna Central brings Central Australia’s prehistoric past to life in the middle of Alice Springs. The community-run Katherine Museum shares the town’s history through indoor and outdoor displays, while Battery Hill explores Tennant Creek’s gold-mining heritage.
Opening hours can change seasonally, particularly at smaller regional museums, so it is worth checking before making the trip.
Wartime and aviation stories
Darwin’s wartime history is still visible across the city once you know where to look. At East Point, the Darwin Military Museum includes outdoor military displays and the interactive Defence of Darwin Experience, which shares first-hand accounts of the 1942 bombing of Darwin.
Aviation enthusiasts can get close to 19 aircraft at the Darwin Aviation Museum, including its enormous B-52 bomber. At Stokes Hill Wharf, the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility uses virtual reality, holograms and interactive displays to tell the stories of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the bombing of Darwin Harbour.
Opening hours and entry fees vary, so check each venue before visiting.
Discover local art
Galleries and art centres are a great way to see what Territory artists are creating now. In Darwin and Alice Springs, you can drop into public galleries and smaller exhibition spaces, while Katherine, Tennant Creek, the Tiwi Islands, East Arnhem and remote Central Australian communities are home to Aboriginal-owned art centres closely connected to local artists and culture.
Many art centres are working studios as well as galleries, so you may see artists creating work during your visit. Buying directly from an art centre supports the artist and helps these important community organisations continue their work.
Opening hours and visitor access vary, particularly in remote communities. Contact the art centre before travelling, check whether you need a permit and always ask before taking photographs.
See what’s on
Exhibitions, workshops, artist talks and community events change throughout the year. Local galleries and museums often have something new to see, even if you have visited before.
Check individual venue websites or browse the Territory events calendar to find current exhibitions and activities near you.
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