The Korean Wave and Indigenous Art Highlights in Canberra Today

Cultural and Historical Highlights for Wednesday

Welcome to Wednesday, 4 February 2026. Canberra’s cultural calendar is in full swing this mid-summer week, offering a diverse array of major exhibitions and interactive experiences across the capital's leading institutions. Whether you are interested in the global phenomenon of K-pop, significant Indigenous storytelling, or local community meetups, there is plenty to explore today.

Immersive Global Culture at the National Museum

The National Museum of Australia is a primary destination today, hosting the vibrant exhibition "Hallyu! The Korean Wave." This major showcase explores the meteoric rise of South Korean culture, from cinema and drama to music and fashion. It provides a colorful look at how the "Korean Wave" has reshaped global pop culture over recent decades.

Beyond the special exhibition, the museum is running several guided tours today:

• Building and Architecture Tour: Discover the symbolic design and hidden meanings behind the museum's unique structure at 10:00 am.
• Museum Highlights Tour: Join a curated 45-minute journey through the museum's most significant objects at 1:00 pm.
• First Australians Tour: An insightful session focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures at 3:00 pm.

Indigenous Art and History at the National Galleries

At the National Gallery of Australia, visitors can experience the "5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain." This landmark exhibition features immersive, large-scale projects by First Nations artists from across the country, centering on themes of rebirth and cycles of cleansing. It is a profound exploration of modern Indigenous perspectives and artistic excellence.

Nearby, the National Portrait Gallery continues its celebration of contemporary art with "Super Kaylene Whiskey." This major survey of the Yankunytjatjara artist's work brings together vibrant paintings and video works that blend traditional cultural stories with modern pop culture icons.

Additionally, today is the final opportunity to visit the National Library of Australia's special display, "Mabo v Queensland (No. 2): 30th Anniversary," which is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The library is also hosting the exhibition "In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists," providing a fascinating look at the people who have shaped Australian industry.

Evening Community Meetups and Public Tours

For those looking for an active community meetup tonight, Folk Dance Canberra is hosting its regular Wednesday evening classes at the hall in Hackett. Running from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, these sessions offer a chance to engage with dance cultures from around the world in a social, welcoming environment. No partner is required, making it a perfect midweek activity for meeting locals.

If you are exploring the Deakin precinct earlier in the day, the Royal Australian Mint is conducting its free public tours. These 45-minute sessions run at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the history and production of Australia's coins.