Highlights
This modern museum, founded in 1854, features engaging dinosaur and cultural exhibits perfect for families and curious minds alike.
11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia Get directions
Closed (Opens at 9:00 AM)
"Dinosaurs, taxidermy, open-air forest and Indigenous Australia stories - an impressive cover of natural and cultural histories. There's even an IMAX on site too! The beauty of museums built with state-of-the-art technology such as Melbourne Museum, is they appeal to all ages. Pop along solo or drag all generations of family for a day out at Carlton Gardens and immerse yourself in an array of interactive activities." - Seven Seeds
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Jun 11, 2024
"This is Melbourne: Melbourne Museum Besides being home to the largest IMAX theater in the world, which plays documentaries in both 2D and 3D, the Natural History Museum's fauna displays are unique because of Australia 's location on the globe; extremely large snakes, reptiles, and several varieties of butterflies are abundant and preserved wonderfully in the huge modern space. A complete skeleton of a Blue Whale (pictured) is a showstopper for all visitors. My favorite exhibition detailed the differences between kangaroos, wallabies, and other marsupials. Not to mention all those colorful butterflies. Of course, no visit is complete without a stop into the Bunjilaka, a space for learning about Victoria’s Koorie (southeastern Aboriginal) people. The Museum and the shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except major holidays. By Stacy C. Uebelhor"
How to Explore Victoria
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Mar 16, 2022
"Melbourne Museum, Carlton by Seven Seeds. Dinosaurs, taxidermy, open-air forest and Indigenous Australia stories - an impressive cover of natural and cultural histories. There's even an IMAX on site too! The beauty of museums built with state-of-the-art technology such as Melbourne Museum, is they appeal to all ages. Pop along solo or drag all generations of family for a day out at Carlton Gardens and immerse yourself in an array of interactive activities."
Melbourne
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Mar 16, 2022
"Get ready to learn everything there is to learn about Melbourne. At this museum, which opened in 2001, the city’s history, stretching back thousands of years, unfolds at great lengths within a contemporary structure designed by Melburnian architecture firm Denton Corker Marshall." - Carrie Hutchinson
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Sep 26, 2018
"Lay it on us—what's the deal? Get ready to learn everything there is to learn about Melbourne. At this museum, which opened in 2001, the city’s history, stretching back thousands of years, unfolds at great lengths within a contemporary structure designed by Melburnian architecture firm Denton Corker Marshall. Walk us through some highlights. To learn about the history of Victoria before European settlement, spend a little time in the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where the First Peoples exhibition tells the story of this land from its creation to the present day. Stroll through Milarra Garden, where a trail passes native plants en route to a cave with rock paintings. At 1:45 p.m. each day (except in winter), stroll past the pond to see the short-finned eels being fed. Other highlights include the skeleton of a Diprotodon, the world’s largest-ever marsupial, and the stuffed hide of Phar Lap, the equine hero of the Depression era whose heart was twice the size of his peers. Are there special exhibitions, too? Many exhibitions set to travel the world debut first at the Melbourne Museum. In 2018, "Mandela: My Life" will open here before traveling to 20 international cities. In the past, "Jurassic World: The Exhibition" and "The WWI Centenary Exhibition: The War That Changed The World" started their journeys here, as well. Smaller-scale exhibitions focusing on local history also appear—the annual Top Designs show features the work of Victoria’s most exceptional design students. What's the crowd like? This is a popular destination for field trips and parents with kids. If you prefer not to battle a crowd of youngsters, buy a ticket for Nocturnal, an adults-only event with cocktails and guided tours that takes place on the first Friday night of the month. Let's chat accessibility. This building is relatively new, so there are no access issues for strollers or wheelchairs. There are plenty of seats, an on-site car park (extra cost), and resources for parents of children with autism. What's the best way to see it all? If you’re not sure where to start or want to hit the highlights quickly, join one of the 45- to 60-minute free tours (daily at 10:30 a.m. and again in the afternoon, depending on demand). Any thoughts on the gift shop? The shop stocks products that reflect the exhibitions, many of which are made locally. If you're in the market for a kids' gift, there’s no resisting the koala and cockatoo hand puppets. Is the dining a must-do, or should we head elsewhere? If the kids are hungry, the Museum Café will tide them over. But short strolls in any direction—to Gertrude Street, Lygon Street, or The City—will reveal much better options. Any other advice? Even a perfunctory stroll around the expansive Melbourne Gallery will impart a bit of intel about the city's history and culture. To make the most of it, arrive around 3 p.m. on a weekday, when the school groups have gone home and the crowds have thinned." - Carrie Hutchinson
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Sep 10, 2018
anmrry
Google
Good Museum, was there for the first time and was impressed with dinosaurs exhibit especially triceratops section which we walked in and was just WOW. The dinosaur section was definitely a 11/10. But other sections were okay, nothing in particular captured my interest, some areas were closed off as well. Spent around 2 hours here, would recommend a date here and nerd over dinosaurs 🤓
Shannon Neenan
Google
Great museum. Very interactive and keeps the interest from small kids to big kids. Doesn't feel or look like most other stuffy museums. Good cafe with sushi, pies and fries to name just some. Coffee was great. Staff were friendly and cheerful. Could spend hours here easily.
Katie Cunningham
Google
I haven't been to the Melbourne Museum since 2012 over a decade ago! However, it was just as lovely and full of natural beauty and history as it was back in 2012. The Aboriginal History was excellent. Always support all elders from all countries
Ads
Google
Extremely fun and educational experience. All the galleries were interactive and so interesting. They have a children's room too with fun activities. Children's tickets are free but you have to wait in like to get a physical ticket for them too, even if you've booked online ones for the adults. Must visit!
steve ko
Google
It was a wonderful experience exploring the Melbourne Museum with my family, observing Natural history, ecosystems, and learning about culture through interactive exhibits.
I was particularly touched when my son accidentally left my digital camera behind, but we were able to retrieve it the next day. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr.David Shaw, the museum manager, for his thoughtful assistance. I was deeply impressed by the high sense of integrity exhibited of both the Australians and the museum visitors. Thank you once again for such a remarkable experience.
Em
Google
Very good! I came here on my own. I liked the large amount of insects and geological items, like gems and rocks. I also loved the Indigenous Peoples section, with objects and keepsakes. I think this museum would be great for kids that love dinosaurs, or for anyone that enjoys Australian history.
Marlee Ly
Google
Very nice place to visit if you enjoy dinosaurs and insects, mainly science subjects. More catered for school age kids, did see a few schools on excursions. Found the museum informative however lacked interesting attractions for adults
Roslyn da Roza
Google
A great place for families. The dinosaur exhibits are always a hit, bringing history to life in such an exciting way. The Children’s Gallery is perfect for little ones to explore, play, and learn through hands-on activities. Always a fun and educational day out.
Lee D.
Yelp
Quality/Quantity -
I really like the dinosaur exhibits! So cool. And you do not have to be a kid to enjoy this. Very immersive exhibits! Yes, this museum is very kid friendly.
Current special events & exhibitions.
Titanic until 4/14/24.
High Tea until 4/14/24.
2/8/24 Nocturnal - Museum after dark.
2/10/24 Lunar New Year Day.
2/14/24 Valentine Day event.
There are so many more exhibits and events, see website. (Yelp has the wrong website).
https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/
Atmosphere - Another beautiful museum. And in the Carlton Gardens.
Even the bathrooms are modern and beautiful...
4 floors, see directory.
IMAX theater.
Market Cafe.
Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. Yelp hours differ slightly.
Service - Good.
Price - $15AUD per person.
Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 2000.
Mario B.
Yelp
Decently sized museum with lots of areas to explore a different variety of exhibitions.
You can gets lots of historical information regarding the settlers of Australia, both new and old. There are also more modern exhibitions, including Lego.
The place is great for both museum enthusiasts as well as for families with kids.
The staff is friendly and can direct you if needed. The facilities are modern with plenty of restrooms and other accommodations. The crowds also seem to have been mostly well controlled.
I'd say the dinosaur display is the one most definitely work checking out.
Joanna T.
Yelp
Melbourne Museum is probably five stars if you're under the age of 10. We were two adults and found it interesting enough, but know that the focus is really for kids.
I was super impressed with their Dino displays and loved the "historic Melbourne" section where you could really get a sense of how the city evolved over time. Similarly the forest in the middle was a delightful surprise and really interesting - we saw lizards! If you like creepy-crawlies, don't miss the bug area with plenty of live specimens.
Glad we checked it out!
David S.
Yelp
Honestly, I can't really say that I am a particularly big fan of natural history museums, which is what this place happens to be. Sure, they do have some interesting exhibitions on here, but of late they do seem to be few and far between. In a way I sort of prefer animals to be alive as opposed to being stuffed. However, when it comes to dinosaurs, they do have some rather interesting, and quite large, fossils, but other than that I can't say that this place is particularly all that great.
Geoff B.
Yelp
Great place to visit while in Melbourne. Impressive indigenous people displays. If you like bugs or even if you don't, their bug displays will ensure you never sleep with the lights off ;-) while in Australia.
Curt C.
Yelp
A fantastic museum in the middle of a huge park just outside of the Central Business District. This museum is gigantic- a centerpiece of the city. It's got a cool glass and concrete slanted look to it. I went for the Nelson Mandela exhibit that they were temporarily hosting. It took up the lower level of the sleek, modern museum. The curators did a great job of using the space, setting up large works of art, interactive displays, projections, movies and such to make a multi-media, multi-sensory view of Mandela's life and the Apartheid he was fighting against.
I didn't really get to see much of the rest of the museum, which looked cool, but that was a separate ticket and all.
The gift shop was pretty keen- the Nelson Mandela exhibit had its own gift shop full of memorabilia and artwork from Africa. They had a nice lobby area where you could charge your phone and read up on events going on around town.
Bella l.
Yelp
Outside seesaws we're the best part those are unreal probably the best part of the museum
Darya S.
Yelp
Not my favorite museum, and I'll tell you why.
First of all, the building design flat-out sucks. It's so confusing and frustrating to make your way through. You have to go through exhibits to get to other exhibits. I couldn't find the Pasifika exhibit, so I gave up. The order just doesn't make sense. There's no natural procession to how you're supposed to see the museum at all.
Second of all, there are way too many crazy screaming kids. I normally don't mind loud kids, but this was way too much. I couldn't concentrate on anything. The noise level made me want to escape immediately.
Third of all, they cover so many topics that it makes your head spin. It goes from dinosaurs to marine life to bugs to evolution to Aboriginal art to Melbourne history to the brain and human anatomy to the forest and so on and so forth. Quality over quantity, guys. Why not pick fewer topics and go more into depth, whereas try to cover the entire world in one museum?
Fourth, they had errors in their information. I reported them, and they said they'll correct them as soon as possible, which is awesome, but still. Their researchers need to be more on top of their stuff!
But... It is the Melbourne museum, and it's free with a student ID. So if you must visit, visit, and try not to get a headache from all the screaming kids.
Jonathan W.
Yelp
A nice building, centrally located in the CBD. The admission was a bit higher than I'd expect, though fortunately my wife got in for free with her student card.
The aboriginal exhibit was fairly strong, though I found the other historical exhibit lacking a bit. I don't know if I really got a sense why or how modern Melbourne was founded and what drew it's growth. It could also use more interactive exhibits.
It does have an IMAX theatre, though I didn't catch what was playing. I believe it plays new blockbuster feature length films in the evening.
Cindi W.
Yelp
Huge!! You need hours to go through here. We stopped by for about 2 hours not enough time but saw lovely exhibits. The Forest Gallery is worth the 15 dollar admission. You can pay an extra 10 or for the imax theatre. Nah no thanx. A lovely stroll walk through their outside garden and then to the forest gallery. We saw eels getting fed... what a trip!!!
Lovely come visit!!
Donna D.
Yelp
In case you're a fan of Jurassic World, there's an exhibit on that might tickle your fancy. The exhibit is on til early October and is making it's debut at Melbourne Museum.
Board a boat that will take you to the Isla Nublar, the home of Jurassic World. Upon arrival, the exhibit is done out as if you were going on a tour of the park. It's like a hands on movie experience, with dino-facts included.
The exhibit is good, but it was so short. You can walk through, and even when taking your time, it only takes half an hour. Highlights are obviously the T-Rex feeding and when you get to see the magnified Indominus Rex.
If you plan your visit well, try and see the Walking with Dinosaur IMAX movie, it's 45 minutes and a documentary that'd be more factual than the exhibition. Overall, the exhibit was done out well, but I wish there was more to it.
Paying for the exhibit includes entry for the museum itself. And it's nothing short of expansive at Melbourne Museum. Split into sections, just go and see what interests you. Choices are among: Mind and Body, Forrest, Science and Life, Underwater, Jurassic, a creepy room full of taxidermy animals, Children's, and the Aboriginal Cultural Center. There's also an IMAX theater. It's a museum you can cover over a series of visits. Which makes it perfect for a rainy day.
Side note: With a student card, entrance is free.
John B.
Yelp
I was oddly underwhelmed by Melbourne's museum. The building is huge, but the actual exhibitions not that substantial in my opinion, including a war exhibit, a human body display, something about a famous racehorse, and a bird habitat without any birds that I saw. There was a variety of stuff, but nothing there really grabbed me. It also was decidedly lacking in comfortable places to sit down. The crowds were pretty immense.
There was a substantial admission fee, but it is free for students. I wouldn't recommend paying for it as a visitor, as I've seen several comparable and better museums in Australia and New Zealand, some of them free. Perhaps the most notable feature here (and one that I did not experience) is that they have an IMAX theater, which is quite rare in this hemisphere and very possibly worthwhile.
Max T.
Yelp
I may not love all museums but I appreciate them. In this case I love the Melb Museum.
First, the cloakroom is complimentary. You don't get that amenity in America. Coat check would easily be enough for me to hold onto it or tackily wrap it around my waist. Full entrance fee was $12 aside from paid exhibits.
Working the museum from left to right on my visit brought me to the dinosaur and deep ocean exhibits plus rocks and minerals. The best to me was the deep ocean then dinosaurs and when it comes to the minerals I can kick rocks. Just doesn't appeal to me. Upstairs from that was a human body and WWI exhibit. Cruised through them pretty fast. Just felt like there wasn't much to engage you unless you already had peak interest.
The middle had a live rain forest. It's nice for a stroll but again there wasn't much to engage you as a patron. The idea, placement, and execution of it were brilliant and when I arrived in the museum I knew right away I was looking forward to the stroll.
Now the right side is where I could've focused all my attention. Downstairs is a moving aboriginal exhibit which I believe there is an audio tour that I'm going back for. There is culture, tradition, lifestyle, history, anecdotes, sports figures, and of course invasion. It's a broad but concise exhibit that's bringing me back. Upstairs is the Melbourne Story exhibit. I need at least a couple hours up there. Very informative but wish there was audio involved. I used to think audio tours were lame and now I'm begging for them.
I recommend everyone passing through to visit once and if you live here at least once a year. Never forget to be a tourist at home. There is also an IMAX and it would be nice to catch something there during my time in Melbourne.
Terrence L.
Yelp
I've probably been here a million times because it's so amazing. Entry is free for students, and probably about 10 bucks for an adult. They're having an exhibition entitled: Afghan Treasures that is probably worth having a look at.
My favorite exhibits include:
Petrified Birds, Dinosaur Bones, and the Mind & Body Section.
Take a walk in the outdoor forest because it's absolutely gorgeous on a nice day. It closes the earliest (4.30pm) as the birds have to roost.
Cheap, educational, and fun. I love the Melbourne Museum!
Clarissa Y.
Yelp
MAKE WAY! SCIENCE NERD COMING THROUGH!
A little disappointed that they moved the space section over to ScienceWorks first of all, but cool nonetheless!
Pros:
~ Cheap entry and free for students, don't mind if I do!
~ They really do focus on the learning bit rather than just "point and look".
~ Dinosaurs. Cliche...but awesome.
~ Not too overly crowded so it's not super loud or anything like that.
My favourite exhibitions: Mind & Body, Evolution, Geology, Dinosaurs
I constantly compared this to the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco (my original home before I moved to Melbourne) and I do have to admit that Melbourne Museum takes the cake!
Cons:
~ I went to the King Tut exhibit. It was a bit overpriced seeing as how they didn't even actually have King Tut (the advertisement pictures are rather misleading...). Plus, an overcrowded exhibit :(
~ There's still definitely room for expansion, especially for their indoor rainforest which is just a few trees and a wooden walkway with free-flying birds. There was nothing majestic or amazing about it. Just "oh cool look a tree and a bird in it". They could definitely work on introducing more unique plants or wildlife... or at least add in more educational stuff to make it a better experience.
---
Overall, there's still room for improvement but for the most part Melbourne Museum provides a wonderful learning opportunity for people of all ages. I'm a science student at University, and I still managed to discover some new cool things I wasn't aware of before.
Bailey C.
Yelp
Not at all what we expected. Not a lot of description, very much lacking. Not as many exhibits as I'd thought there would be.
If you're in Melbourne, skip this!
Jennifer N.
Yelp
Every year I have been here, I have never been disappointed. I must say I have only been here to go to the temporary exhibition. From the Aztec's (last day was today), James Bond, Tutankhamun and many more. I come out more interested and inspired to learn more.
The artefacts are so amazing and it's fascinating to see how well preserved they are. Melbourne does well in getting in the big guns of exhibitions. Until the next exhibition...
Henrique K.
Yelp
Melbourne Museum is walking distance from CBD. Great value for money, it only costs $10 bucks to get in and kids are free. The interactive displays are really well made with heaps of interesting things to look at.
I spent hours browsing through the galleries, very impressive collection, worth checking out the giant squid (10 metres), the animals and insect displays are heaps of fun! I really enjoyed the Melbourne gallery, fascinating insight to this amazing city!
Pity I didn't have enough time to check out the other exhibitions that was on (extra, not sure how much it cost).
Found some cool toys for my daughter at the gift shop. She loved it!
Can't wait to bring my daughter next time I visit!
Travis K.
Yelp
If you're a tourist in Melbourne, the main reason you'd probably come here is to see one of Australia's first sporting heroes in the form of the mighty Phar Lap's stuffed carcass on display but the Melbourne Museum offers so much more.
Having recently toured many a European museum and gallery I have to say the Melbourne Museum is one of the best I've been to. It's free for concession card holders, regularly has interesting exhibitions (King Tut most recently) and has what every good museum should - dinosaur skeletons.
The aboriginal section, Australian fauna and early-Australian settler exhibitions are particularly impressive.
It's a genuinely interesting experience, set in beautiful garden surrounds and you get the added benefit of being able to work out your weight in gold for the next time somebody compliments you!
Nancy C.
Yelp
Not a happy chap coming here! Melbourne museum does events and it was on such an event, I visited the museum for the very first time. I came here for the jurassic event, the show was mediocre, the displayed items were suitable for kids (6-13 years...?) For the price a grown up pays, it really wasn't worth. So no stars for that. We then went to the main museum room... sure the glass and displays are cool and that's where it ends - structurally everything looks pretty to the eye and that's about it. Also, you have to put up with "some" arrogant staff members...seriously didn't anyone tell them customer service is part of their job(?)
Qype User (Marzip…)
Yelp
The Melbourne Museum is value for money, not to mention when you go with kids you have a great time!
Entry is only $8 for adults, and free for concession and children under 15.
There are at least six different areas with regular exhibitions and special exhibitions that change monthly.
The regulars have become a lot more interactive so kids can really get in there and discover animals, marine life, the human body, Melbourne history - some fantastic pictures of Burke St charting the time periods of Melbourne from the 1800s to today.
Special exhibitions come from everywhere and recently have included top designs by Victorian school students, titanic, and indigenous history.
The Museum also incorporates an IMAX cinema, the largest format for film. I saw my first 3D film there, a documentary on sharks narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Now you can see anything including the new Toy Story 3 coming out later in the year.
Yep, definitely one of my favourite places in Melbourne :-)
L S.
Yelp
Cute museum with great historic exhibits. It's not the sort of museum I'm used to -- there are little to no paintings -- but it was super informative and I learned quite a bit. The museum was full of (well-behaved) school children when I was there and the exhibits do feel slightly geared towards a young audience, but it's a nice museum for adults looking to learn more about Australia, its land and its culture. If that doesn't interest you though, this place is not for you.
Also, the grounds surrounding the museum are lovely.
Kellie H.
Yelp
A great place to visit frequently as they keep changing the exhibitions and bring in some great large events - like Jurassic world.
At the end of the day - it's a museum and its in Melbourne. Which means it's great to begin with. Your experience is what you make it by how you engage.
My only critique - there needs some clear instructions of line up procedures for popular draw card events. Trying to find instruction or some form of civil direction is was like herding baby cats over hyped on red cordial. Impossible.
Alexander R.
Yelp
One of the highlights of Melbourne is our beautifully modern museum. I have enjoyed many exhibitions over the years where they are always well run events and truly a spectacle.
This year of course has been the Tutankhamen exhibition that has traveled the world. It was an enlightening experience but also very "Disney" in the way it was put together. The beginning of the tour felt like we were all about to go on the Batman ride. Maybe it didn't need to be so over the top where they really hammed up the "mystery" factor and audio commentary by Omar Sharif was a bit hit and miss. All the same, its historical meaning and the artifacts are amazing in their own right. I found out later that the museum itself doesn't control the exhibition so I forgive the "Disney" factor.
In general the Melbourne Museum is a great day out and I love the area with Carlton Garden's, IMAX and really nice surrounding streets all within a few hundred metres.
You never know, you might learn something as well.
Amy A.
Yelp
When you're visiting Melbourne from Sydney, sometimes the city museum is the last place you'd expect to find yourself. Usually the touristy things are out of the way on your first trip, which leaves you to lounge in your hotel pool, or shop all during the day. We went in to Melbourne Museum to check out the Tutankhamun exhibition that was only showing for a couple of weeks. Fortunately since I'm not a regular visitor to museums, in Sydney or Melbourne, I was so excited I felt like a little kid visiting the Questacon (which is in Canberra) again.
For a special exhibition like Tutankhamun, prices were about $60 each. I absolutely loved the time I had there, they had an open exhibition before the actual tour that was interactive (I love how most museums are becoming more like this). It's particularly good how there's enough to keep you entertained without having to read all the blocks of information printed on plaques. Definitely one of many highlights on the trip.
Daniel G.
Yelp
The last 4-5 times I've been to Melbourne I've gone to the Museum. It really is world class and whilst I'm only comparing it to Adelaide, Sydney and a couple of European museums, it simply offers a lot in terms of what's on show and the experiences it provides. The actual building structure is amazing and the parklands around it a pleasure to stroll.
There is something there for everyone, for all ages, and it pretty much touches on 'all ages' going from the prehistoric/dinosaur displays to Australiana to science, wars, the human mind, and space and the future. My kids love anything interactive, gems and animals and my wife finds things like university student projects particularly interesting. I always love a walk through their rainforest.
It's not too expensive but unfortunately they have regular 'additional' exhibitions which if you want to see do cost quite a lot more (think concert prices). This is a shame as I'm not sure what that cost represents as it can't be transport alone. I've previously see the Tutankhamun exhibition which was awesome but did arrive with a few 'fakes' and missing items due to them being too precious to travel - the entry wasn't discounted though.
Parking is always tricky near the CBD so try the tram or walk instead. If you need to park it's mostly 2 hours so you'll probably have to return to your car twice whilst at the museum. There are some very limited 4 hour parks scattered around as well.
The café isn't particularly impressive but the shop is nice and sells all sorts.
It's big and busy but never so that you won't be able to enjoy a display. If you have kids you'll end up there one day, like it or not.
Sarah F.
Yelp
I have to admit, the first time I walked into this place, I was very intimidated. The only time I've ever been is during school holidays where it seems everyone else in Melbourne and the outlaying areas is there. When it's packed and you have kids, you can loose them quite easily as they run up the narrow halls (narrow when there are heaps of other people there) among the other running children.
The Melbourne museum however, has so many great activities for the kids, ranging from the children's area with all the neat textile things they can play with, an outdoor play area with skipping ropes and miscellaneous play equipment, as well as areas to colour. When they have special displays, they also have lovely volunteers that come in to help keep the organisation of additional activities as well!
My favourite bit is the dinosaur area where you can see the most amazing skeletons that tower high above you, BUT the Mind and Spirit area is quite nice as well, with many different things that play tricks on your mind to show you how amazingly powerful our minds really are. There's also an area with the different types of Forests that we have in Australia, including but rarely seen, the very intimidating Huntsmen to go along with them!
You can take a break from all of the history in the museum to head up to the Gallery to see blasts from the past in the area about Melbourne as well as some lovely projects from to VCE students.
If you have a day to spend to wander around and explore, either with little ones or not, this is definitely the place to have a look at. There's also an IMAX theatre and a playground for the kids to play at while you're having some lunch. I normally take lunch because I'm not too impressed by the places that the museum has to offer for eats but it's totally up to you :)
Kelly M.
Yelp
I have a pretty short attention span and can zip through most museums and galleries in the time that other people are still looking at the map.
But i like the Melbourne Museum. It had enough interesting, and interactive, tid bits to make sure I wasn't sprinting from section to section in boredom (I mean really, how long does it take to stare at an object that isn't going to change..)
The outdoor water display was a little disappointing - I think the tanks need a clean as you really couldn't see anything, but it was nice to walk around the forest bit none the less.
I especially liked the war display and the section dedicated to Melbourne but all areas had something of interest.
It's fun trying to repeat the different languages in the mind section too - or at least fun listening to your friends attempt it!
Theresa W.
Yelp
A world-class museum next door to a World Heritage Site. Pretty great, if you ask me.
The Melbourne Museum is worth a visit...and then a repeat visit...and then another. There is a ton to see and do, ranging from a huge Aboriginal exhibit that I recommend all visitors and immigrants to Australia go see, to a gloriously fun exhibition on all the crazy/scary/crazyscary Aussie insects.
You can visit one of the many fine visiting exhibits (ranging from from Mesopotamia to James Bond) for an additional price, but the daily rate is around the $10 mark. Pretty darn good for Australia!
One of the standouts that the Museum offers is the once-every-so-often Smart Bar. Tailored for the after-work set, it's a night when the museum comes alive. Young professionals and inner-city dwellers flock to an evening of talks, demonstrations, and mingling. It's one of the better things on offer in the city, and I encourage you all to go at least once. Each time is a different theme. You'll learn SO much and have a great time!
Arabella G.
Yelp
The Melbourne Museum is possibly the most modern - verging on conceptual - museum I've ever had the pleasure to visit, with more than an air of London's Tate Modern, but with indigenous art instead of abstract expressionism and a giant whale skeleton as impressive as any modern art installation.
I can't say I'm generally a fan of museums which I attribute to getting horribly lost in Amsterdam's creepy museum as a teen. The Melbourne Museum is the exception to my resultant no museum rule.
Displaying an impressive collection that 'explores life in Victoria, from our natural environment to our culture and history', Melbourne Museum is situated in Carlton Gardens just opposite the Royal Exhibition building and boasts not only EIGHT galleries but the aforementioned - and really quite extraordinary - blue whale skeleton, an Aboriginal Cultural Centre and a living, breathing outdoor rainforest. Melbourne Museum is an absolute must-visit.
Susan C.
Yelp
The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia exhibition is currently being held at the Melbourne Museum and being a big fan of all things ancient I went along for a look. Despite the crowds - it was awe inspiring.
The artifacts ranged from tiny carved cylindrical stamps used to press a personal signature into a piece of soft clay and various sized written clay tablets to a towering column of written laws and beautiful jewelry.
The audio visual displays related how the Mesopotamian rulers lived and died and the achievements they made through the ages. There is a scale model of the gateway to Babylon and a section devoted to the Tower of Babel.
The exhibition was outstanding. I have seen pictures and film footage of artifacts from ancient sites but to see these things up close was breathtaking. The fine artistry of the work is incredible.
The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia is well worth a visit.
Sophia A.
Yelp
I really enjoyed learning about the aboriginal history, local history and ecology. They could get a little bit more advanced on their science exhibits and more organized on their history exhibits. All in all a really good way to get exposed to the local culture and history.
Reuben W.
Yelp
Okay, CHOSE MUSEUM OVER AQUARIUM.
The museum was a good time, great exhibits, state of the art technology throughout the museum.
I spent a good 3 hours, wandering, and learning, and for me thats a lot!
For only $10 dollars, you can have a great morning, I say morning because I want you to beat the school rush. If the school is there, bring some headphones and listen to your favourite music as you explore.
Have fun!
Matt A.
Yelp
The Melbourne Museum is located in the Carlton Gardens, adjacent to the old Exhibition Centre, so it's an interesting and really pretty area of Melbourne to come visit, even if you don't intend on paying for an entry ticket (which is around $10 I believe).
Entry is free for students, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're in that category, because there's heaps of awesome stuff inside.
Currently, it's housing the Tutankhamun exhibition, which has apparently been the most popular exhibition ever to visit the museum. Tickets for this exhibition are around $30 for an adult, but definitely worth checking out, as it is unlikely that it will be returning to Melbourne in the foreseeable future.
Gabriel P.
Yelp
What can I say , the Melbourne Museum has an indoor rainforest with a waterfall and river running through it, a 3-D cinema and a large live insect exhibit! What more could you want you might ask? Well it also has a large indigenous art and culture exhibit and stuffed animal evolution display. If that isn't enough they also have staff with live insects going around letting people have a hold during the school holidays.
I have to say that the Melbourne Museum is hands down the most interesting museum I have ever visited - and I have been to a few museums in my lifetime. I would also suggest checking out the Melbourne history exhibit. They have some very interesting artifacts to view as well as some very informative pieces explaining the development of the city from it's birth to the current day - including population density, migration and culture information.
If you have a spare $12 and a few hours on your hands then I couldn't think of many better pastimes.
John C.
Yelp
How could you not like this place? It's got something for every age, and every time I take the family there, we discover new things to look at and talk about. Parking is plentiful and the place is clean and easy to get around. Absolutely brilliant!
Brooke R.
Yelp
I usually only head to the museum for a specific exhibition and they're always great. But the museum itself is actually really great. I especially love the indoor garden area. It's also connected to IMAX and right in the middle of the Carlton gardens. It's definitely worth a visit and really affordable with adults only $10 and students and children FREE!
Melissa S.
Yelp
For a Yelper (and a teacher) Melbourne Museum has everything. Perfect location that's at once close to everything, yet somehow feels secluded and is right beside one of the best parks in Melbourne. Beautiful building, which is completely accessible (for wheelchairs and other mobility needs). The permanent exhibit is interesting, engaging and interactive (the rain forest bit!), and only costs $10 to get in. School groups get in free and don't require bookings, and even the IMAX is wheelchair friendly. 6 stars in my book.
Oliver G.
Yelp
I have never been disappointed with the Melbourne Museum, and I always find something that I missed the last time. Worth a visit every few months.
Helen B.
Yelp
This is a great museum. There is so much to explore and there are lots of interactive activities.
Tanya F.
Yelp
Excellent day out. Exhibits are world class. Went to the 007 exhibition. Really well set out, good use of visual and written material to capture attention. Loads of people there but did not feel crowded as situated in large rooms. Well worth the additional price. Attention to Indigenous history superb. Only negative was the prices at the cafe - gouged patrons. There is no excuse for the markup - sure make a profit, but $9 for a sandwich that looked mediocre? Did not seem to deter many (other than us), as cafe pretty full. Catch a tram if you can - parking is expensive. We will be going back as there is so much to see and do. Staff helpful and this another plus.
Harry T.
Yelp
Just seen 007. Excellent. Allow a good one and a half hours. I'm not a James Bond fan but the costumes were beautiful. I thought there would be more cars to view. The Aston Martin was there though. There was quite a few props even the bulldog that sits on M's desk. Disappointing part no photography and they had security to make sure that wasn't going to happen. Would certainly recommend to any James Bond fan. You would not be disappointed.