MoAD and the Courtyard Cafe are open. Some exhibitions and rooms will be closed from September 2025 for essential building works. Learn more
Deep dive into stories about Old Parliament House, Australian history and democracy.
A 1937 referendum asked Australians if the Commonwealth should regulate air travel.
Australians were asked to pick a song for the national anthem in 1977.
In the 1951 referendum, Australia voted no on banning Communist ideology by the barest of margins.
Is the dismissal of an elected government an event that could happen in countries other than Australia?
What is a referendum? Why should you care? We’ve broken down everything you need to know, from A to Z.
The Museum of Australian Democracy acknowledges Australia's First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We respectfully acknowledge the role that First Nations people continue to play in shaping Australia's democracy. We also acknowledge the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the region in which MoAD is located. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.
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