Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Northern Territory © Courtesy of MAGNT/Charlie Bliss
6 of Darwin’s best museums, galleries and theatres
Get curious about Darwin’s art and culture scene.
By Leah Dobihal
Aboriginal art expression, tales of wartime survival and a proud aviation history all play into the fascinating culture of Darwin.
Whether you enjoy perusing sophisticated art galleries, catching a comedy show or digging deep into tales of the past, you’ll find what you’re looking for at these Darwin institutions.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Northern Territory ©Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught
Where: 19 Conacher St
Inside the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, you’ll find a combination of world-renowned art, scientific collections and cultural exhibitions. The museum’s most famous resident is Sweetheart, a 5.1-metre (16.7-foot) long saltwater crocodile notorious for attacking dinghies at a popular Darwin fishing spot in the 1970s. After saying “g’day” to Sweetheart, don’t miss the gallery’s collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Darwin History and Wartime Experience
Darwin History and Wartime Experience, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Darwin Wartime Experience
Where: 15 Smith Street
Darwin has a compelling wartime history, and at The History and Wartime Experience, you’ll relive some of its most fascinating moments. Hop into a genuine World War II army truck and learn about some of Darwin’s most significant military sites. Explore ammunition storage bunkers and gun batteries, and hear about how the city was forever changed with the World War II bombing of Darwin.
Mason Art Gallery
Mason Art Gallery, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Mason Art Gallery
Where: 7/21 Cavenagh St
The Northern Territory is home to some of Australia’s richest Aboriginal art traditions. At Mason Gallery, you can discover authentic Indigenous art sourced from primarily central Australia and the Top End, including paintings, carvings and weavings. It’s a great opportunity to take home a piece from the world’s oldest living culture.
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Darwin Entertainment Centre
Where: 93 Mitchell St
Located in the heart of the city, the Darwin Entertainment Centre is the hub of live entertainment in Darwin. The centre boasts an ever-changing calendar of theatre, live music acts, performances for kids and more. Check out the website to see what’s on.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Nick Pincott 2016
Where: 45 Stokes Hill Road
Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is one of the most extensive aero-medical organisations in the world. At the RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility, you’ll learn of two iconic stories: the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the drama of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour. Relive them both through virtual experiences, decommissioned aircraft and life-size holograms.
Street art
Street art in Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia
Where: City-wide
Darwin’s street art is captivating. Thanks to the annual Darwin Street Art Festival, new works are painted each year by renowned artists. Hidden around street corners and splashed across storefronts you’ll find everything from classic graffiti art to boldly coloured Aboriginal art. Check out the festival’s map to take a self-guided walk.
