Australian Museum
New South Wales
The Australian Museum, located in Sydney, New South Wales, is Australia's oldest natural history museum and the fifth oldest in the world, founded in 1827. It was originally known as the Colonial Museum and Sydney Museum and was modeled after European encyclopedic museums, housing extensive collections in vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and anthropology. The museum plays a vital role in scientific research, particularly in taxonomy and coral reef ecology, operating the Lizard Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef since 1973. Its permanent exhibitions include fascinating displays on Australia's unique flora and fauna, including dinosaurs and indigenous cultures, alongside special exhibitions like the 'Surviving Australia' and 'Unfinished Business' that explore survival and stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The museum is also a hub for public education and community programs, offering free general admission and family-friendly amenities such as a café and bistro. Under the leadership of CEO Kim McKay AO, the museum continues to inspire visitors with its rich cultural and scientific heritage.
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Astuce: Visit the Australian Museum between 10am and 5pm daily to enjoy free general entry to permanent and special exhibitions. Consider exploring during weekdays for a less crowded experience. Membership offers deeper engagement with collections and research support. Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events, and take advantage of family-friendly facilities including a café and bistro. Advance booking is not required for general admission, but special events or workshops may require reservations. Discounts are available for members and certain groups.
Faits intéressants
- •The Australian Museum is the oldest natural history museum in Australia and the fifth oldest in the world.
- •It holds over 21 million cultural and scientific objects in its collection.
- •Since 1973, it has operated the Lizard Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef to study coral reef ecology and climate change effects.
- •The museum was originally named the Colonial Museum and later the Sydney Museum before adopting its current name in 1836.
- •Kim McKay AO became the first female CEO and executive director in 2014.
Histoire
The Australian Museum was founded in 1827 by Earl Bathurst, making it the oldest natural history museum in Australia and the fifth oldest worldwide.
Initially called the Colonial Museum, it was established to collect and preserve cultural and natural specimens, following European museum models.
The museum was administered by a committee of scientific and political leaders and renamed the Australian Museum in 1836.
Its scientific reputation was cemented under curator Gerard Krefft in the 1860s.
Throughout the 20th century, the museum expanded its collections and research, including establishing the Lizard Island Research Station in 1973 for coral reef studies.
Today, it remains a leading institution for natural history and cultural heritage in Australia.
Guide du lieu
Surviving Australia Exhibition
A permanent exhibition showcasing Australia's most fascinating creatures and their survival adaptations on the continent.
Dinosaurs Exhibition
An engaging permanent display bringing the Mesozoic era to life, featuring creatures that ruled the world until 65 million years ago.
Unfinished Business Exhibition
A special, accessible 3D photography exhibition sharing personal stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with disabilities across Australia.
Lizard Island Research Station1973
A research facility operated by the museum since 1973, dedicated to studying coral reef ecology and the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef.
Contact
Téléphone: (02) 9320 6000