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

On Hansard
History

On Hansard

How Hansard records parliamentary history.

When William McMahon became Prime Minister
History

When William McMahon became Prime Minister

A look at the prime ministership of William McMahon.

The Apology 10 years on
History

The Apology 10 years on

One writer's thoughts on the Apology to Indigenous Australians.

Driving Mr Menzies
Democracy

Driving Mr Menzies

Journalist Paul Daley shares the story of Alfred Stafford.

Commemorating Prince Philip, the Queen’s strength and stay
History

Commemorating Prince Philip, the Queen’s strength and stay

COLLECTION

Embroidered cushion gifted to Arthur Calwell Embroidered cushion gifted to Arthur Calwell

Embroidered cushion gifted to Arthur Calwell

A symbol of a substantial change in government policy.
Commonwealth of England sixpence

Commonwealth of England sixpence

This rare hammered silver coin represents a foundational idea for the history of parliamentary democracy.

DEMOCRACY

Defining democracy Australian democracy

Defining democracy

What is democracy?
Australian democracy Australian democracy

Australian democracy

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