National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

Welcome to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, or the N-F-S-A, located in the heart of Canberra, our nation's planned capital. As you stand before this elegant, Art Deco-inspired building—originally the Australian…

Before we delve into the collections, take a moment to appreciate the building itself. This 'elegant work of architecture' is a cornerstone of Canberra's designed landscape, situated near other iconic structures like the…

In the specialized audio labs, experts like Marc Hogan work on some of the oldest and most temperamental formats in history. One of the archive’s greatest treasures is its collection of wax cylinders, dating back as far as 1877. …

Film restoration at the N-F-S-A is a bridge between eras. As technician Rita Parkinson notes, Australia is a young country, and so much of our history was captured on celluloid. …

The N-F-S-A takes its responsibility toward Indigenous films and sound recordings very seriously. Much of this material is 'culturally sensitive,' containing images or sounds of ceremonies, secret knowledge, or individuals who…

While the N-F-S-A is famous for its physical artifacts, its future is increasingly digital. We are now in an era where the sheer volume of media produced is staggering, and the archive must find ways to store and catalog this…

Our tour concludes in the N-F-S-A’s public galleries, where the work of the restorers is put on display. These exhibitions are designed to be 'relaxed but stimulating,' offering a chance for visitors to engage with the highlights…

As we finish our tour of the National Film and Sound Archive, take a final look at the Art Deco facade. This building is a guardian, standing at the intersection of history and technology. …