National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is home to a number of truly unique function spaces in the heart of the national capital. Our distinctive venues are exceptional and versatile settings for any occasion—wedding ceremonies and receptions, gala dinners, cocktail parties, conferences and workshops, and corporate and private functions. Venue options include Gandel Hall, the Sculpture Garden Pavilion—a permanent outdoor marquee nestled in the gardens—as well as the newly-refurbished James Fairfax Theatre. Driven by a passion for food, a commitment to excellence and a flair for creativity, our team will work with you to create a bespoke and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Capacity

Up to 900 Cocktail
Up to 350 Banquet

Address

Parkes Place
Parkes ACT

Telephone

02 6240 6711

Rooms

Gandel Hall

Gandel Hall is one of our most popular event venues. Featuring grand gold leaf doors and beautiful hardwood ironbark floors, this multipurpose venue is spacious and light filled. The floor to ceiling windows running the length of the hall open out onto a terrace space in the Australian Gardens, the perfect tranquil setting to inspire your guests.  Permanently featuring Gran’ vasi di Palazzo Ducale, Parma [Large vases from the Ducal Palace, Parma], two immense marble vases flanking Gandel Stage, the Gandel Hall has not only the functionality of a beautiful event space but the art and decor to reflect the amazing building that is the National Gallery of Australia.

Uses

An awe-inspiring backdrop for gala dinners, cocktail parties or all day conferences. Predrinks can be held on the Australian Garden Terrace which has direct access to the Australian Garden and such artworks as James Turrell’s monumental Skyspace Within Without.

Capacity

Up to 350 seated guests, 900 cocktail style, can be divided into smaller spaces

Gallery Space on Level One

The Gallery’s striking architecture creates a unique backdrop for receptions and cocktail parties and this Gallery Space on Level One is the ultimate in ‘dining amongst the art’ experience. Your guests will love the unique experience of dining amongst the treasures of the national collection.

Uses

Receptions and cocktail parties. Please note this space is only available from 6:00pm, 7 days a week.

Capacity

Up to 250 cocktail

Sculpture Garden Pavilion

Sculpture Garden Pavilion is a permanent marquee restaurant overlooking the serene landscape of the Sculpture Garden. Situated on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this beautiful venue is our most popular outdoor venue during the warmer months.

Fujiko Nakaya’s nearby fog sculpture, Foggy wake in a desert: An ecosphere, can be activated to enhance the ambience of your event, with fog floating majestically through the casuarinas and across the pond towards the pavilion.

Uses

From Christmas parties, corporate luncheons and cocktail receptions, this space is ideal for those seeking an intimate gathering within a garden setting.

Capacity

Up to 80 seated guests, 180 cocktail style

James Fairfax Theatre

Perfect for a corporate seminar, film screening or acoustic concert, the James Fairfax Theatre is the seamless combination of a creative space in a convenient location. Featuring large presentation screen, small stage, tiered seating and quality acoustic design this space has it all.

Uses

Permanent Theatre style seating

Capacity

267 theatre style seats