Shine Dome Open Day 2026
The iconic, heritage-listed Shine Dome will open its doors as part of the 2026 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.
The Shine Dome has been a much-loved feature of the Canberra landscape since its award-winning construction in 1959. Its mid-century modern fittings and furnishings are timeless and elegant, and its spaces airy and retro-futuristic. It reflects some of the more adventurous architectural ideas of its time, and remains one of the most unusual buildings in Australia.
Make the most of this rare chance to explore the home of Australian science, the Shine Dome, with a behind-the-scenes tour. Fellows and staff of the Australian Academy of Science will conduct guided tours revealing intriguing stories and hidden details preserved within the walls of this unique building, from its construction to the present day.
If you’re interested in architecture, Australian science, or simply curious to know what lies beyond the moat, this tour is for you.
Tickets will be available to purchase from mid-March, in line with the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival. Bookings will be essential.
Limited onsite parking is available in the Academy car park, accessible from Gordon Street between the Shine Dome and Marcus Clarke Street.
The Shine Dome is a short walk from the New Acton precinct, hotels, the Australian National University, and within comfortable walking distances of local tourist attractions, cafés and city shops.
Event details
Date: Friday 17 April 2026
Time: Tours will run every half an hour from 10.00am to 4.30pm. Allow up to 40 minutes for your tour.
Venue: The Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Acton, ACT
Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for concession/student, $7.50 for children 6–12 years (5 and under free)
Booking: Tickets will be available to purchase from mid-March, via this webpage.
Additional information
- Tours run for 30 minutes. Please allow up to 40 minutes.
- Each tour is limited to 12 people.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please book a separate ticket for children over the age of 5. Children 5 and under can be additional to the 12 on the tour and do not require a ticket.
- Parking is available in the Academy car park, accessible off Gordon Street between the Shine Dome and Marcus Clarke Street.
- Due to the heritage-listed nature of the building and furnishings in certain areas of the Shine Dome, no food or beverage can be consumed while on the tour.
The Australian Academy of Science is a proud partner of the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival 2026. For the full program of festival events, visit the festival website.
For all enquiries, please contact events@science.org.au.
