National Carillon

The National Carillon, situated on Aspen Island in central Canberra, Australia is a large carillon managed and maintained by the National Capital Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The carillon was a gift from the British government to the people of Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Capital, Canberra. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the National Carillon on 26 April 1970. The 50 metre tall National Carillon tower was designed by Western Australian architects Cameron, Chisholm Nicol. The concept initially came from an architect Mr Don Ho working in Cameron Chisholm Nicol in 1968.

In 2004 the carillon underwent refurbishment including renovations of interior function facilities and the addition of two extra bells. Consultants were CCN, Sydney office.

Carillons must have at least 23 bells to be considered as such, and the National Carillon has 55 (increased from 53 during refurbishments in 2003). Each bell weighs between seven kilograms and six tonnes. The bells span four and a half octaves chromatically.

The carillon features moderate-size function facilities for small gatherings offering wonderful views over Lake Burley Griffin and central Canberra.

The carillon is in regular use, chiming every quarter-hour and playing a short tune on the hour along with tours and recitals on many days. For example, there is usually a recital of carols on Christmas Eve each year with music being played for around an hour at dusk. The best place to listen to the carillon is suggested to be within 100 metres of the building though the sound can usually be heard much further away in the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston and Civic.

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