The Australian Museum

Hyde Park Map

NOTE: Temporarily Closed Until Mid 2020.

This wonderful museum has been attracting visitors to its many splendid displays, exhibits and collections for many years. Indeed, it celebrated its 190th year of existence in 2017 and has been located on its current site on the corner of William and College Streets since 1850.

First established in 1827, the Australian Museum is Australia’s first museum. Over the years it has acquired the nation’s largest and oldest natural science and cultural collection, with more than 18 million objects.

Cultures

Amongst its World Culture & Collections, you will find displays of fine art, cultural objects and paintings from everywhere there are people. This includes everything from ancient cultures to modern works.

Australian Fauna

Animals as diverse as centipedes, molluscs and worms to dinosaurs are on display here. Australia’s megafauna including marsupials, giant Thunderbirds, huge crocodiles and animals going back to the beginning of life on earth.

Mineral Collections

The AM has amassed one of the finest mineral collections in the world, including gems from not only Australia, but Europe and America. Some of the best Mineral specimens found in the world are also here, while special displays show off their natural beauty.

About half of the collection is from Australia, particularly Broken Hill. This isolated mining community has played an important part in the wealth of Australia, with everything from gold and silver to lead-zinc ore as well as rare minerals found there on display.

Kids

One of the special features of the museum are the special displays for kids. Special activities are also planned for school holidays and for student groups.