Completed in 1959 and reflecting some of the more adventurous architectural ideas of that time, the Shine Dome remains one of the most unusual buildings in Australia.

In this special behind the scenes tour, you will access the basement, the dome’s building structure, private research spaces and other areas rarely accessed by the public.

The Shine Dome was designed by prominent architect Roy Grounds, a principal of the noted architectural practice of Grounds, Romberg and Boyd. Its design represents Grounds’ design philosophy, reflected in the building’s form, planning and structural integrity, and in Grounds’ response to the environment.

Roy Grounds’ iconic Shine Dome is a valuable resource to help understand Canberra’s architectural and cultural history.

This is a small group architecture tour of rarely accessed areas of the Shine Dome which has been developed by DESIGN Canberra in collaboration with the Australian Academy of Science, in line with current COVID-safe restrictions. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential.