Australian Museum

"What's the story? Up until a little more than two centuries ago, Australia was inhabited by First Nations people who had lived on this land for thousands of years—making them, many believe, the oldest culture on Earth. Since Captain James Cook first landed at what is now Sydney in 1770, however, people from more than 250 different countries have settled here. In 2015, 28 percent of residents were born overseas. It’s hardly surprising, then, that there are enough stories about immigrants and their experiences to justify an entire museum—even if it is a rather intimate one—dedicated to them. Cool. What does this museum hold in its permanent collection? If you’ve ever wondered what makes people want to leave their homes and travel thousands of miles to a new country, you’ll discover some very personal answers in the permanent exhibitions. There are also exhibitions that explore cultural heritage and belonging, the story of Customs House, where the museum is located, and how Australia’s immigration policies have changed throughout history. Stories come to life via film, audio, memorabilia, and other media. And the temporary exhibitions? Temporary shows like "Mao’s Last Dancer: The Exhibition" and "Mahatma Gandhi: An Immigrant" observe the immigrant experience from individual viewpoints. Children’s activities and talks often accompany these shows. Other types of events also take place here: food festivals in summer, lunchtime dance lessons, or forums about societal issues. Any thoughts regarding the audience? This is a quiet, uncrowded space that's perfect for introverts and thinkers who like to quietly contemplate the world around them. Soft hearts might break—not all of these stories are easy to take. On the practical tip, how were facilities? This is an easy spot to get around; if you’re feeling a weary, plop down in front of one of the many films. You can also take some time out in the Tribute Garden, a public artwork that remembers the 7,000 immigrants from more than 90 countries who arrived in Australia between the 1800s and the present day. All of the galleries are accessible via ramps and elevators. Any pointers for navigating? Just pick up a map when you buy your entry ticket. Anything worth perusing at the gift shop? If you want to explore the history of immigration in greater depth, the store offers books and souvenirs associated with the exhibitions. What about snack options? The café, with its limited menu, shares a space with the museum store. It's fine for a coffee break, but eat elsewhere if you're looking for something more substantial. How much time should we budget for a visit? Unless you watch every film and read every exhibition card, you could be in and out in a couple of hours. A visit here is an interesting option—and probably not one many Melburnians would suggest—if you’ve got a short gap in your day."

"Australia's first museum was opened in 1827 in Sydney with the goal of showcasing unique specimens relating to the country's fascinating natural history. Initially called the Sydney Museum or Colonial Museum, the institution was renamed the Australian Museum in 1836 and reopened in its current location on Williams Street in 1857. The small collection of curiosities has grown to more than 18 million objects of cultural or scientific significance. The museum also plays a leading role in natural and cultural research on Australia and the Pacific, and offers a rotating slate of exhibitions, events, overnight experiences for kids, and even ecology-focused trips abroad. In 2017, a new permanent collection called 200 Treasures debuted, featuring crystals, skeletons, and a Roro feather headdress from Papua New Guinea. The museum is currently undergoing an expansion and refurbishment in the leadup tothe blockbuster exhibition, Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh , which will debut in 2021. The museum will remain open during renovations."

"Australia's first museum was opened in 1827 in Sydney with the goal of showcasing unique specimens relating to the country's fascinating natural history. Initially called the Sydney Museum or Colonial Museum, the institution was renamed the Australian Museum in 1836 and reopened in its current location on Williams Street in 1857. The small collection of curiosities has grown to more than 18 million objects of cultural or scientific significance. The museum also plays a leading role in natural and cultural research on Australia and the Pacific, and offers a rotating slate of exhibitions, events, overnight experiences for kids, and even ecology-focused trips abroad. In 2017, a new permanent collection called 200 Treasures debuted, featuring crystals, skeletons, and a Roro feather headdress from Papua New Guinea. The museum is currently undergoing an expansion and refurbishment in the leadup tothe blockbuster exhibition, Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh , which will debut in 2021. The museum will remain open during renovations."

"The aim of Australia’s first public museum, when it was green-lit in 1827, was to gather rare specimens of natural history and miscellaneous curiosities. Today its collection boasts more than 18 million cultural and scientific exhibits, showcases Australian history – including Aboriginal archaeology and artefacts from its greatest explorers – and has a world-leading research programme."

"Australia’s first public museum, founded in 1827, celebrates the astonishing flora, fauna, and cultures of Australia and the Pacific. The mammoth building exhibits a smorgasbord of natural history and ethnography in a prime corner near Hyde Park. The permanent collection houses more than 21 million cultural and scientific objects. Kids will love the Wild Planet exhibit, which includes stuffed kangaroos and koalas, or check out the dinosaurs or unusual wildlife of Surviving Australia. If time is flying, just tackle 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum, a landmark display in the Westpac Long Gallery, or learn more about Aboriginal heritage in the First Nations galleries." - Sophie Davies