The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is located on Acton Peninsula in Canberra.
AIATSIS is adjacent to the National Museum of Australia on Lake Burley Griffin and is within walking or cycling distance from the city centre and the Australian National University.
Visitors can access our main entrance foyer and exhibition space, as well as search the AIATSIS Collection and conduct their own research in the Library.
Opening hours
- The front reception desk at AIATSIS is open 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
- The Stanner Reading Room at AIATSIS is currently closed as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Address: 51 Lawson Crescent, Canberra ACT
Conditions of entry
To help us protect the collections we care for, we ask visitors to familiarise themselves with the following policies before coming to AIATSIS.
Visitors to AIATSIS
Infromation on accessing the Stanner Reading Room is available here.
For access visits to view the AIATSIS Collection please use our contact form.
Read more about visiting the collection.
Getting here
Parking
- Please note that pay parking applies at AIATSIS
- The cost of parking is $2.90 per hour for short-stay spaces (those closest to the National Museum of Australia) or $14.00 per day for long-stay spaces
- Pay parking applies 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
- It does not apply to motorbikes or accessibility parking spaces.
Bus services
Transport Canberra bus route #7 operates to AIATSIS and the National Museum of Australia regularly. Bus routes, timetable information and fares are available from Transport Canberra.
Cycling
Bicycle paths lead to AIATSIS and bicycle racks are available for your use.
Walking
Enjoy a walk to AIATSIS from the city on the paths along the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin.
Visiting Canberra
All Australians are reflected in their nation's capital, Canberra. The city's national attractions care for and share the treasures of our nation, from Australia's proud sporting achievements and our unique political history, to Australian characters portrayed through sound and film, books and exhibitions. Canberra is full of fantastic experiences for visitors. Set within leafy surrounds, this modern city offers fun for the kids, a busy calendar of events and festivals, as well as stylish restaurants, bars and shops.
More information about Canberra and the surrounding region including location details, facts and figures, how to get here and how to see the nation's capital is available from Visit Canberra - or phone the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre on 1300 554 114 or + 61 2 6205 0044 if calling from outside Australia.