Explore Melbourne Museum’s Timeless Collections
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, Melbourne Museum‘s permanent collections offer something for everyone, year-round.
Step into the museum galleries and immerse yourself in Victoria’s natural and cultural heritage. What’s more, for visitors with accessibility needs Melbourne Museum is incredibly accommodating, with features like wheelchair-accessible entrances, audio descriptions, and staff trained to assist.
Though it’s impossible to see everything, my in-laws and I spent a whole morning poring over some of the exhibits and we plan to visit again soon.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits and accessibility advice for Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum And Galleries
Stepping into Melbourne Museum, you’ll find a trove of timeless treasures within its permanent collections.
Marvel at the prehistoric giants that once roamed the earth as you wander through the Dinosaur Walk. Feel the thrill of discovery as you encounter the towering Tyrannosaurus rex and the gentle giants of the ancient seas.
Delve deeper into Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures at Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here, vibrant artworks and poignant stories come to life, offering a profound insight into the world’s oldest living cultures.
For those with a penchant for the peculiar, a visit to the Science and Life Gallery is a must. Explore our remarkable natural world, from sparkling minerals to bizarre insects, and uncover the mysteries of the human body in the Mind and Body exhibition.
Then there’s the Melbourne Gallery; a celebration of Melbourne’s rich history and cultural heritage, and as a result, every corner is filled with fascinating insights and artifacts.
On top of all this, there is a Children’s Gallery packed with hands-on activities for kids, a Touring Hall, where temporary major exhibitions are hosted, and the 3D cinema IMAX Melbourne.
The Life and Science exhibit was very interesting and varied. The size of the dinosaurs is mind-blowing as you first walk in. We were absolutely mesmerized by the form, colours and sizes of all the crystals on display from all over the world. The amount and age of the insects and spiders was just incredible, too.
The Forest Gallery was a very pleasant walk and had some interesting reading throughout. It was lovely being out in the fresh air.
– Rob
The Melbourne Gallery
Wandering through the Melbourne Gallery at Melbourne Museum, you are transported back to the early days of this vibrant city. We were immediately drawn to the immersive displays showcasing the city’s evolution from a humble settlement to a bustling metropolis.
One of the highlights was the recreation of a 19th-century Melbourne street scene. An opportunity to imagine what life was like for the early inhabitants of the city.
The gallery also pays homage to Melbourne’s diverse communities, with exhibits dedicated to the city’s multicultural heritage.
We had visited the Museum recently but that didn’t matter because we saw exhibits that we had not seen before. I think last time we tried to see all of the exhibits instead of concentrating on a couple like we did this time.
The Melbourne Story exhibition was really interesting. It, in parts, was like walking down memory lane. Things we saw on the old television that was set up, the story of housing in years gone by and the building of the multi-story housing. That after 50 odd years, is now going to be pulled down and all the families re-homed.
The Luna Park display brought back some not-so-pleasant memories for Rob, the Rota experience, for example. While I enjoyed reminiscing on the Giggle Palace, an indoor area that had big slides, moving bridges and a moving barrel. Lots of fun stuff.
I particularly enjoyed looking through the old photo albums scattered around the area.
– Diane
Museum Facilities
The museum’s Market Café provides a range of easy grab-and-go food and drink options, and has multiple dining tables indoors and out. Alternatively, you could bring a packed lunch and enjoy it on the tables outside. For something more lavish, Mercury Restaurant offers a small à la carte lunch menu in a peaceful setting.
The extensive Museum gift shop is worth a wander, too.
Various tours, workshops, and special events are hosted regularly at Melbourne Museum, such as after dark experiences, high tea, and tiny tours for kids. So, you can package up the perfect Melbourne outing. For example, we combined our visit with a Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Tour. Read about our experience here. The incredible guided tour is great value since your ticket includes entry to Melbourne Museum.
Accessibility at Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum provides an extensive range of accessible features for various needs.
Ramps are located throughout the building, as well as lift access, accessible toilets, an accessible cafe, and a gift shop. Additionally, wheelchair hire is available, but booking ahead is advised.
To assist people who have a hearing or speech impairment, there are services available including hearing loops. For those who are blind or have low vision, tactile components are located throughout the museum, including within the lifts.
Free Auslan tours run twice a month, and the museum is autism-friendly, with online resources to prepare for your visit.
More accessible advice can be found on the museum’s website here as well.
Getting there
Use the 96 tram from Nicholson Street, or Parliament Station is a 600-metre walking distance. Various bus routes service the area and there is car parking available underground.
Tidbits for visiting Melbourne Museum
- The Melbourne Gallery is a must-visit, to be transported back to the early days!
- Entry fee is $10 for seniors/concession and free for pensioners;
- Combine your visit with a Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Tour, which includes entry to the museum;
- Hearing loops, ramps and lift access, as well as accessible features for various needs;
- More accessible advice can be found on the museum’s website here;
- Free Auslan tours run twice a month, and the museum is autism-friendly, with online resources to prepare for your visit;
- Visit Market Cafe or Mercury Restaurant for lunch, or bring your own and enjoy it outside;
- Parliament Station is a 600-metre walk;
- Buses and tram access;
- Underground car parking onsite.
Melbourne Museum
Open daily from 9am – 5pm
Address: 11 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, 3053
Ph: 03 8341 7777 | museumsvictoria.com.au
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