About us

The Australian Academy of Science's Shine Dome and its custom-designed furniture were created to reflect the inquiring and innovative nature of science. It was the first Canberra building to be added to the National Heritage List, for its historical and architectural significance.

A Canberra landmark since its construction in 1959, the Shine Dome has received numerous awards and is one of seven projects the Royal Australian Institute of Architects has nominated to the World Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture.

Over the decades, the dome has captured imaginations and inspired the authorship of a number of memoirs. The book, ‘A big bold simple concept’, was commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the Dome's construction. It documents the design and construction of the Academy’s building in Canberra. The book can be purchased from the Academy. 

In 1999, the Academy's first executive secretary, Jack Deeble, spoke with the late Professor Frank Fenner about the design and construction of the dome.

Sir Otto Frankel, who was on both the design and building committees for the dome, wrote a personal memoir in 1970. The dome also features in Sir Otto's biographical memoir about the dome's architect, Sir Roy Grounds.

Follow the Shine Dome on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Did you know?

In 2000 the dome was completely restored. These major works were supported by a donation of $1 million from Academy Fellow Professor John Shine AC FAA FAHMS(Hon) FRS, and a grant of $525,000 from the National Council for the Centenary of Federation. In recognition of Professor Shine’s donation, the building was renamed the Shine Dome.