MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. There may be building works during your visit. Learn more

Explore

Democracy

Democracy

Aretha Brown, a young woman, holds a banner at a protest rally with a fist raised in the air.

Stories

Stories

Black and white image of the front of Old Parliament House with a crowd of people of gathered at the foot of the stairs. The building is white with columns and an Australian flag flies at the top.

Collection

Collection

A close up of a rainbow flag covered in signatures.

POLITICAL CARTOONS

Browse Behind the Lines, our annual exhibition celebrating the year's best political cartoons.

Explore
Visitors looking at the framed cartoons on the walls

STORIES

Butting out a ciggie in Old Parliament House
Heritage

Butting out a ciggie in Old Parliament House

How smokers 'did the right thing' at Old Parliament House.

‘Woman wrecker’: A suffragette’s story
History

‘Woman wrecker’: A suffragette’s story

The experiences of several women involved in the British suffragette movement.

Charley’s choice: the breastplate of Charley, king of Burran
History

Charley’s choice: the breastplate of Charley, king of Burran

How a collection item connects us to voices from the past.

A peep behind the hankie
History

A peep behind the hankie

Symbols of power in your pocket.

Why wear a badge at election time?
History

Why wear a badge at election time?

COLLECTION

White lemuroid possum brooch White lemuroid possum brooch

White lemuroid possum brooch

Advocating for endangered species in style.
Canberra travel posters

Canberra travel posters

Beautifully illustrated travel posters were a popular way of attracting potential tourists.

DEMOCRACY

Australian democracy Defining democracy

Australian democracy

Every democratic society is distinct. The same is true for Australia.
Defining democracy Defining democracy

Defining democracy

What is democracy?