National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
The NFSA’s mission is to collect, preserve and share Australia’s vibrant and diverse audiovisual culture as embodied by our evolving collection – reflecting who we were, who we are, and who we want to be.
Audiovisual technologies enable us to capture moments in time through moving images and sounds in their most vivid forms. At over 4 million items, the NFSA collection transforms these records into ‘living memories’, celebrating the many facets of Australia’s peoples, cultures, ideas and beliefs, both over time and across the land. Our collection invites all Australians to connect, no matter their background and life experiences, discovering common ground and a shared sense of community.
Our learning programs focus on equipping students with media literacy skills to navigate their world and participate confidently in society. Students learn to critically analyse, question and interrogate what they see and hear, learning from our history to build a better future.
All areas of the NFSA are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair access to the building is available from the south-facing entrance (Liversidge St). A wheelchair is also available from NFSA reception. You may pre-arrange use of this by calling (02) 6248 2000, or else request it on arrival. There are T switch loops available in Arc cinema and the Theatrette. Accessible bathrooms are located in the main building. Recognised assistance animals are welcomed into the NFSA.
Our Venue and Safety Information for School Excursions is available to download here.
Please read our booking terms and conditions.
Opening Hours
The NFSA is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily and until 8.00pm on Friday nights.
Programs Available
Media and Me (Primary)
In this program students dive into the NFSA’s collection of over 4 million items, learning how to decode media texts to confidently navigate an increasingly digital world. Students develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills as they examine how media has evolved over time in its methods of influencing viewers.
This education program takes place in our historic Theatrette.
This is a PACER Alternate approved program.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Availability:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 – 10:00 am
- Monday – Thursday: 10:15 – 11:15 am
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 2:15 – 3:15 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Digital Excursions
The NFSA offers digital excursions you can join from wherever you are across Australia.
Our digital excursions are a great way for your students to access the learning and skills of our Media and Me program. Your students will learn how to be media literate citizens by interrogating examples from our collection to develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills.
These programs are suitable for students in classrooms, hospital schools and distance education/home learning settings and can be booked on demand for your class.
Click to view our upcoming excursions on the DART Learning portal.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- Online
- Year Levels:
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Media and Me (Secondary)
In this program Year 7, 8 and 9 students explore the NFSA’s collection of over 4 million items, learning how to decode more complex media texts to confidently navigate an increasingly digital world. Students develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills as they examine how media has evolved over time in its methods of influencing viewers.
This education program takes place in our historic Theatrette.
This is a PACER Alternate approved program.
Please note: Our secondary program will be split into 2 separate programs (years 7 and 8) and (years 9 and 10) from July 2025.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 7
- Year 8
- Year 9
- Availability:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 – 10:00 am
- Monday – Thursday: 10:15 – 11:15 am
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 2:15 – 3:15 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
A Night at the Movies
Join us for a night at the cinema! We have reserved access to the NFSA’s historic Theatrette for school groups to enjoy a personalised movie experience! Select a film from the Australian titles on offer to be played with a preshow reel where students will learn how films are projected and a fun selection of vintage ads from our collection. Students will also receive a sweet treat to enjoy during the screening!
2025 Films on offer:
- Runt (PG, 2024, 90 mins)
- Blueback (PG, 2022, 102 mins)
- Windcatcher (PG, 2024, 80 mins)
- Paper Planes (G, 2015, 96 mins)
Schools should indicate which film they would like to see when booking or when confirming the booking one month before the event.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Year 7
- Year 8
- Year 9
- Year 10
- Availability:
- Monday – Thursday: 7:15 – 9:15 pm
Media and Me (Small Group Session)
In this program students dive into the NFSA’s collection of over 4 million items, learning how to decode media texts to confidently navigate an increasingly digital world. Students develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills as they examine how media has evolved over time in its methods of influencing viewers.
This education program takes place in our newly opened Mediatheque space.
This is a PACER Alternate approved program.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Year 7
- Year 8
- Year 9
- Availability:
- Weekdays: 9:00 – 10:00 am
- Weekdays: 10:15 – 11:15 am
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 2:15 – 3:15 pm
- Monday – Thursday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Media and Me (Year 7 and 8)
In this program Year 7 and 8 students explore the NFSA’s collection of over 4 million items, learning how to decode more complex media texts to confidently navigate an increasingly digital world. Students develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills as they examine how media has evolved over time in its methods of influencing viewers.
This education program takes place in our historic Theatrette.
This is a PACER Alternate approved program.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 7
- Year 8
- Availability:
- Contact attraction to book
Media and Me (Year 9 and 10)
In this program Year 9 and 10 students dive into the NFSA’s collection of over 4 million items, learning how to decode media texts to confidently navigate an increasingly digital world. Students develop their curiosity and critical thinking skills, examining social video and short form media, to understand the techniques, strategies, and tools used to influence audiences.
This education program takes place in our historic Theatrette.
This is a PACER Alternate approved program.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 9
- Year 10
- Availability:
- Contact attraction to book