The upgrade works on the 46-year-old lakeside structure will cost $600,000 and will be funded through the Commonwealth government's promise to maintain Australia's "national assets".

Malcolm Snow, chief executive of the National Capital Authority (NCA), said on Wednesday that the upgrades would update the building to modern times.

"The last time we undertook major works was 15 years ago and in that time, technology and electronics have improved substantially," Mr Snow said.

The upgrades to the Carillon are centred on improving the audio-visual, lighting, security and data capabilities to enhance the instrument's reach and impact not only on the city of Canberra, but also the wider population.

"A large part of the upgrade involves improving the sound system, the amplification of the actual Carillon while it is being played," Mr Snow said.

"We're keen … for more people to hear the instrument when it is being played by our carillonists and the ability to project the sound over a bigger area will be a plus.

"At the same time we will have a fast data link which will ensure that people who aren't in Canberra, but would like to listen to the instrument being played, can actually hear it and we can stream the music to a much wider audience."

Mr Snow said most people believed that the bells and chimes of Canberra's Carillion were played robotically and that the technological improvements would help people better understand the mysterious instrument.

"People aren't aware … that it is played by humans, and not played by a computer, so we will be able to film the carillonist playing the instrument in real time, and people at the base of the structure will be able to see images of [them].

"We think technology is going to mean that the instrument will gain a greater audience and certainly be better understood and valued."

NCA lead carillonist Lyn Fuller said the quality of performances and visitor experience would be significantly enhanced by the project.

"The upgrade will allow the instrument to reach its full potential as a concert instrument," she said. "[The upgrades will] make for a much better listening experience, and a much higher standard of production."

Ms Fuller has spent the past 20 years as a carillonist in Canberra and said it was "a privilege to play it".

"Everyone who comes to see it and play it, they just are blown away by it. It is such a magical instrument," she said.

Ms Fuller said she was most excited to share the wonder of the instrument with visitors.

"You know, it's just so unique. You can actually stand inside the instrument. You can't get inside a flute or a cello."

The upgrades are expected to be completed by September and all performances at the Carillon will be suspended until then.

"We're just taking a pause for the moment to ensure that we can do the work as quickly and efficiently as we can. And, as I said, come spring, everything will be in place and we will be launching a fantastic new program of Carillon events," Mr Snow said.