Learn about the stories behind the thought-provoking illuminations at Enlighten.

The 2026 Enlighten Illuminations featured a dynamic line-up of work by Australian artists with projections showcasing Australian culture and storytelling on some of Canberra’s iconic National Cultural Institutions in a captivating display of light, sound and movement.

The Enlighten Illuminations will return to the National Triangle in 2027.

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Illuminations

National Gallery of Australia

Kukawarra kwatja, pmara nhanhanama marra inthurra, soft rain, strong Country

by Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Grace Kemarre Robinya

National Portrait Gallery

Queens of the Desert

by Kaylene Whiskey

Australian Parliament House

Democracy!

by Philip Bunting

Image: Grace Kemarre Robinya, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Tangentyere Artists, Kukawarra kwatja, pmara nhanhanama marra inthurra, soft rain, strong Country, 2026, commissioned by the National Gallery of Australia for Enlighten Festival, Kamberri/Canberra © Grace Kemarre Robinya, courtesy the artist and Yarrenyty Arltere and Tangentyere Artists

Image: Kaylene Whiskey, Queens of the Desert, 2026, National Portrait Gallery.

Image: Phillip Bunting, Democracy!,
2026, Australian Parliament House

Museum of Australian Democracy

Department of Memories

Sam Wallman

National Library of Australia

The Page Turner

by Eleanor and Giovanni

Questacon

Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light

Sam Wallman, Department of Memories, 2026, Museum of Australian Democracy

Image: Eleanor and Giovanni, The Page Turner, 2026, National Library of Australia

Illuminate, 2026, Questacon

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The 2026 Illuminations

Check out some of your pics from Enlighten Festival