A key milestone has been reached in the construction of Darwin's new Larrakia Cultural Centre, with the completion of its striking bird-shaped roof.

Designed to resemble a bird in flight — a powerful Larrakia ancestral being symbolising protection of land and people — the roof's completion marks the project's move into its final stages, with the centre on track for completion in 2026.

Once finished, the centre will include exhibition and gallery spaces, education facilities, art studios, function rooms, a café and retail shop, an outdoor auditorium, and landscaped grounds reflecting Larrakia Country. It will also house repatriated cultural items from national and international collections, cared for under Larrakia cultural protocols.

Larrakia Development Corporation Chairman Mark Motlop said the centre has been a "dream" for more than 20 years, and the roof's completion shows that dream is "coming to fruition".

"The bird-shaped roof and building reflects the cultural significance and spirit of the Larrakia," he said.

"The Larrakia Cultural Centre will be a place to experience and celebrate Larrakia history and culture, and we look forward to welcoming local, national and international visitors to the centre."

The $58.6 million project is funded through the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA), a Commonwealth special account set up to receive royalties from mining on Aboriginal-owned land and administered by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

The NT Government has also contributed land for the project valued at $16.9 million.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the centre would serve as a place of truth-telling, education and celebration.

"The centre will welcome locals and visitors to experience the richness of Larrakia culture and history," she said.

"The new bird-shaped roof is a striking design feature, reflecting the spirit of the Larrakia people."

The Larrakia Development Corporation is managing the project on behalf of the Larrakia Development Trust. It is considered a flagship community-led initiative, supporting Closing the Gap targets by creating Indigenous employment and business opportunities.

Mr Motlop said the corporation "sincerely expresses our gratitude" to both the NT Government and the NIAA for supporting the project.

"We look forward to the opening of the Larrakia Cultural Centre and sharing Larrakia Culture with the world," he said.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said the centre represents "an important step in the preservation and celebration of Larrakia heritage and this milestone takes us closer to realising that achievement".

"This project has also encouraged economic participation through Indigenous employment and enterprise development which sets a great example for other projects around the Territory," he said.