National Museum of Australia announces exciting new winter and summer 2026 program
From the awe and wonder of Antarctica to one of the world's great archaeological treasures in Terracotta Warriors, the National Museum of Australia in Canberra is proud to present its major exhibition line-up for 2026.
Transporting visitors to a frozen world, the Museum invites visitors to explore one of the most extreme environments on Earth with the highly anticipated exhibition, Antarctica, on show from 1 July to 11 October.
With the support of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and featuring more than 200 objects recently donated by the Division, Antarctica tells the extraordinary stories of Australian triumph, discovery and connection to this icy continent.
Showcasing the often-harrowing exploits of early scientific explorers and immersing visitors in vast Antarctic landscapes, Antarctica features objects including skis, an ice axe and a sled used on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Douglas Mawson, large oversnow vehicles, scientific instruments, survival items such as ration packs and protective clothing and of course preserved sled dogs and penguins.
Most of the objects will be on display for the first time.
The exhibition follows a decade of collaboration between the National Museum and the AAD, which resulted in over 1,000 objects being transferred to the Museum for safekeeping as part of the National Antarctic Heritage Collection.
National Museum of Australia Director Katherine McMahon thanked the AAD for trusting the Museum to preserve and share this important story with the nation.
'Australia has an enduring connection to Antarctica, which has evolved to become a fundamental part of our national psyche,' she said.
'Australia's early explorers paved the way for today's world-class research programs, which increasingly provide valuable insights into our past, present and future.
'Travelling to Antarctica is a rare and precious experience – this exhibition is the next best thing.'
Chief Scientist of the Australian Antarctic Program, Professor Nerilie Abram, has extensive experience in Antarctica, having travelled to the frozen continent five times to conduct critical climate research.
'Antarctica is like nowhere else on Earth,' she said.
'It's a challenging and sometimes dangerous place to live and work, but also incredibly rewarding.
'Not only are there stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, but what happens in Antarctica also has a profound and direct impact on the rest of the world.'
Professor Abram said Antarctic research is only made possible by those who are willing to spend time living in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet.
'It's a huge sacrifice, not only from the people who devote their time and expertise to working in Antarctica, but also for their families that remain here without them,' she said.
'This work allows Australia to conduct Antarctic research that informs climate policy and how the world prepares for impacts like sea level rise.
'Our work is also critical for ensuring that the unique Antarctic environment remains protected into the future.'
From December 2026, visitors will have the rare opportunity to experience some of the world's great archaeological treasures, when China's renowned Terracotta Warriors exhibition goes on show at the National Museum of Australia.
The lifelike warriors were crafted from clay more than 2,000 years ago to watch over China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, in the afterlife.
Alongside the warriors, the exhibition will feature an impressive array of objects including weapons, armour and exquisite tomb items.
The exhibition will be complemented by a new digital display which brings to life the terracotta army and the world of ancient China in bold and contemporary ways. This exhibition is organised by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, with collaborative cooperation between the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center and the National Museum.
National Museum of Australia Director Katherine McMahon said visitors will be enthralled by the ancient treasures, some of which have never before come to Australia.
'I couldn't be more excited to bring Terracotta Warriors to Canberra and I'm particularly delighted by the exciting inclusion of the new digital interpretation of ancient China, which I know will captivate our visitors,' she said.
'The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors is considered one of the greatest archaeological events of the 20th century.
'It's such an honour to bring these treasures to Canberra for the first time and I can't wait to share them with everyone,' said Ms McMahon.
Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration and spokesperson for the Chinese organisations, Jia Qiang, said the Terracotta Warriors have a way of drawing cultures together.
'May this exhibition serve as a bridge between the hearts of the Chinese and Australian people, allowing ancient civilisations to shine anew through dialogue.'
From Canberra, the exhibition will move to Brisbane.
Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace said they're thrilled to partner with the National Museum of Australia and Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotional Centre to bring the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to Queensland Museum in June 2027.
'This world-renowned exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary craftsmanship and rich history of one of the most remarkable discoveries of our time,' Ms Grace said.
Entry to Antarctica at the National Museum is free with ticket bookings available at: nma.gov.au/antarctica
