Drill Hall Gallery, Canberra

The Drill Hall Gallery is one of the city’s leading spaces for contemporary visual art, offering visitors a chance to engage with innovative exhibitions in a distinctive historic setting. Originally built in 1940 as a military drill hall, the building has since been repurposed into a cultural venue that combines history with creativity. Managed by the Australian National University, the gallery plays an important role in presenting contemporary art and fostering critical dialogue, while also maintaining a strong connection to the academic and artistic community.

Inside, the Drill Hall Gallery focuses on showcasing the work of living Australian and international artists, with a particular emphasis on modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, and works on paper. The program is known for its carefully curated exhibitions, often bringing together significant collections from around the country or highlighting the achievements of emerging and established artists. For many visitors, this makes the gallery an essential stop for experiencing the vibrancy of Australia’s current art scene.

The gallery’s atmosphere is intimate and contemplative, offering a more personal encounter with art compared to larger national institutions. Its scale allows exhibitions to be presented in depth, encouraging visitors to slow down and engage closely with the works on display. Alongside its rotating exhibitions, the gallery also hosts public programs such as artist talks and discussions, further enriching the visitor experience.

For visitors, the Drill Hall Gallery offers a rewarding mix of history, culture, and creativity. Whether exploring its thoughtfully presented exhibitions or simply appreciating the transformation of a once utilitarian space into a centre for artistic exploration, visitors will find the gallery to be a dynamic and memorable part of Canberra’s cultural landscape.