Government funding cuts have been challenging for cultural institutions in the nation's capital, with projects abandoned other savings under review.
That's the view of several museums and galleries nearly a year on from the announcement of an efficiency dividend of up to three per cent totalling $36.8 million over four years.
The Museum of Australian Democracy, located inside Old Parliament House, managed to break-even in 2015/16, but director Daryl Karp says the outlook is challenging.
An underfunded capital plan, combined with reduced government funding, resulted in the closure of a research library and the end of money for prime ministerial research, Ms Karp said in the museum's annual report.
The library closed to the public in June 2016.
The museum is also working with other institutions, including the National Portrait Gallery and High Court, on new maintenance services plan to deliver savings.
The next step was to investigate ways to make the most of the building, Ms Karp said.
The museum has begun work on a 20-year strategic master plan of the building, contracting a architectural firm.
The National Gallery has also had to look at its operations, appointing a consulting firm to review its structures.
The results of the review, which includes identifying efficiencies through new approaches, restructures and staff cuts, will be seen in the 2016/17 year.
But the gallery has already closed its contemporary exhibition space beside Lake Burley Griffin - which hosted more than 24,000 visitors - and two of its food and drink outlets.
"It has been a challenging period, but I am pleased that all members of the staff understood and accepted the issues confronting us," Gerard Vaughan said in the gallery's annual report.
