Perched in Carlton Gardens on the edge of the CBD, Melbourne Museum is a cultural hotspot housing fascinating collections and exhibitions on history, culture and science.
Designed by Denton Corker Marshall and home to more than 15 million items and revolving exhibitions, the museum has attracted celebrity guests including David Attenborough and Cate Blanchett.
“Visitors can explore the landscape of the Cretaceous, stroll through a living rainforest, and come face to face with a 67-million-year-old triceratops in our award-winning exhibit,” says Museums Victoria CEO and director, Lynley Crosswell. “We even have a gallery designed especially for children and babies to to explore, play and learn.”
Another highlight is the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre which honours First People’s history, knowledge and living culture, through exhibits, storytelling, and performances, while in The Melbourne Story gallery, visitors can take in the city’s icons past and present with pride of place given to Phar Lap, the star racehorse.
Meet a living collection of creepy crawlies in Bugs Alive and marvel over meteorites from Mars in Dynamic Earth. Get lost in the living, breathing Forest Gallery and catch glimpses of rare plants and animals while learning how Victoria’s flora and fauna was shaped by the elements.
The all-new Gandel Gondwana Garden showcases Victoria’s ancient landscapes and creatures, from dinosaurs and megafauna to the ancestors of today’s iconic Australian species. The outdoor gallery allows you to step into past ecosystems and touch replicas of the bones, teeth, and claws of ancient creatures. Being a living gallery, it changes with the seasons and will continue to grow.
There’s more to see beyond the museum like the iconic Royal Exhibition building that sits just across the way. Built in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibit, it’s the first Australian building to be awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Royal Exhibition Building guided tours take in the grandeur of the interiors and explore the grand narratives and intimate moments of its fascinating and colourful history, including its transformation into a hospital during the 1919 pandemic.
A signature feature is a selection of items from Twycross Collection, which comprises over 200 objects bought by wool merchant John Twycross at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition – a remarkable snapshot of late 19th century taste and style.
And thanks to years of meticulous conservation, restoration and building works, visitors can now venture up to see the building’s crowning glory: the Dome Promenade, based on the design of Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence. The Royal Exhibition Building is beautiful inside and out – and a true landmark of Melbourne.
“As custodians of the Royal Exhibition Building, Museums Victoria was so pleased to see the Dome Promenade deck restored to its former glory,” adds Lynley. “Visitors have been rushing to explore this iconic Melbourne landmark and take in the stunning, panoramic views of the city and Carlton Gardens.”
Book early and online for the Royal Exhibition Dome Promenade experience, as tickets for the Dome Promenade experience sell out fast. Spend the full day and book your general entry ticket to Melbourne Museum online also.
