A Purpose Pop Quiz

Your favourite Wednesday night trivia fix, where Canberra's past meets our present, and every question brings us closer to the stories, places, and people that make this city great.

Each week, we serve up:
🟢 5 Easy
🟡 5 Medium
🔴 5 Tough

You get 1 point for each correct question and 2 points for bonus questions.

This week, we’re turning our gaze upwards and outwards to the buildings that shape our city. From Brutalist icons to hidden heritage gems, Canberra’s architecture tells the story of who we are and how we live.

How well do you know the structures that frame your daily life?

Let’s find out in this week’s quiz all about Canberra’s unique architecture. Ready to test your eye for design and local knowledge?

Add your score to the comments because bragging rights are real!

• Q1 Which town centre has the highest building in Canberra?

  Belconnen – High Society Tower One.

• Q2 What was the National Library of Australia’s design influenced by?

  The Parthenon in Greece

• Q3 The National Museum of Australia has large dots and dimples on it's external design, what do they represent?

  They are words in braille, including "mate," "she'll be right," and "sorry."

• Q4 What is the oldest building in Canberra?

  Duntroon Dairy – dating back to 1832.

• Q5 Parliament House features one of the largest stainless steel structures in the world. What is it?

  The flag mast

• Q6 How many pieces of recycled timber can you find in the entrance of the Nishi Building? A) 526 B) 2150 C) 3454 D) 5001

  B) 2150

• Q7 How many levels are there in the National Library of Australia?

  8

• Q8 What building features a massive central atrium with ceilings soaring up to 24 metres high?

  The High Court of Australia

• Q9 What was Canberra’s first permanent public building, originally built between 1913 and 1915 to supply electricity to the city, and what is it used for today?

  Kingston Powerhouse, now Canberra Glassworks

• Q10 How many bunnings are there in Canberra?

  5

• Q11 Which iconic Canberra building is nicknamed the “Martian Embassy” because of its futuristic dome design that looks like a UFO landed in the city?

  The Shine Dome

• Q12 The National Library operates in 4 building. 3 are in Canberra, where is the 4th?

  Jakarta, Indonesia

• Q13 What historic musical instrument, originally built in England in the 1930s, now lives inside Canberra’s Albert Hall?

  The Compton theatre organ, lovingly restored and installed in Albert Hall in 1986, bringing the golden age of cinema to life for Canberra audiences.

• Q14 Who was the designer behind the iconic Canberra bus stops?

  Enrico Taglietti

• Q15 What was the first song performed by the Carillion?

  Lake Music performed on 26 April 1970, attended by Queen Elizabeth II.

• Bonus Question - If you were in Beauchamp House today, where would you be?

  Ian Potter House and current Australian Academy of Science offices.