Skip to main content

Home

Visit

The Shine Dome

 

We've got events down to a fine science.

preview

About

 

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.

preview

Venues

 

 

Ian Potter House Ballroom

The Ian Potter House Ballroom is a versatile space, illuminated by natural light.

Dorothy Hill Room

The Dorothy Hill Room is a space that is easily transformed to the setup of your choice.

Fenner Room

The Fenner Room is an intimate meeting room that can be set in various configurations based on requirements.

Becker Room

The Becker Room is a grand boardroom bathed in natural light and equipped with modern AV facilities.

Ian Wark Theatre

Our main auditorium, the Ian Wark Theatre, is located under the soaring apex of the dome.

Jaeger Room

The Jaeger Room is a versatile space, bathed in natural light.

Catering

Catering

From freshly baked breakfast fare to grand banquets, we can do it all. Choose from our many catering options or work with us to develop your own menu for a special or themed occasion.

 

Conference and events kit

Our Conference and events kit provides catering, venue space, capacity and audio-visual information.

Catering options include:

  • Breakfast
  • Tea breaks
  • Full day packages
  • Plated lunch and dinner
  • Buffet lunch and dinner
  • Cocktail party
  • Beverages
       
Preview

What's on?

 

Join us at the iconic Shine Dome for a series of captivating events that promise to enlighten and inspire. From thought-provoking lectures to engaging workshops, immerse yourself in a world of knowledge and discovery. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of these enriching experiences in the heart of innovation and brilliance.


Shine Dome

Take a virtual tour


Embark on a seamless virtual journey through the Shine Dome building by following the these simple steps. Click the Play button below to explore our venue, wait for it to load. Once the map opens, double-click to enter and exit full screen more. Navigate with ease using your mouse or touch screen, and click on the circle. Immerse yourself in the world of innovation and science with the Shine Dome building virtual tour today!

 

Part of



The Academy was founded by Royal Charter in 1954 and more than 520 of Australia’s leading scientists are currently Fellows. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation that recognises outstanding contributions to science and research, provides expert advice to government, contributes to the development of science policy, promotes science education and public understanding of science, and fosters international scientific relations.

The Shine Dome is owned and managed by the Australian Academy of Science.

Revenue raised from the hire of the Shine Dome is reinvested in our many activities and the upkeep of our magnificent buildings.