Stunning Notre-Dame Exhibition at Melbourne's Immigration Museum

Imagine exploring the splendour of Notre-Dame Cathedral without leaving Melbourne. That’s exactly what Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition at the Immigration Museum offers—a captivating blend of history, technology, and culture.

This internationally acclaimed exhibition offers visitors the chance to explore the extraordinary 850-year history of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Opening just days before the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened in Paris, this exhibition offers Melburnians a front-row seat to a global story—without the international travel. And with the Immigration Museum’s location near some of Melbourne’s best spots for post-visit refreshments (hello, gelato at Brunetti on Flinders Lane!), your outing promises to be as delicious as it is inspiring.

>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility advice for Immigration Museum

Notre-Dame de Paris: Melbourne Immigration Museum

A Journey Through Time

Using cutting-edge technology, the exhibition merges medieval architecture with modern augmented reality. Visitors are handed a HistoPad, an augmented reality touchscreen tablet, to embark on a virtual journey through key moments in the cathedral’s history.

From the laying of the first stone in the 12th century to Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation in 1804, this interactive experience offers a unique glimpse into the cathedral’s storied past.

The opening date in December also marked a milestone: the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, five years after a devastating fire brought restoration efforts to the forefront of global attention.

Reader Review

Yesterday I saw Notre Dame at the Immigration Museum. It is free for concession cards ( I’m Age Pension ). It was fascinating – the timelines especially. It’s also digital, on an iPad with interactive options. You can ask for headphones. I’ll go again. There are concrete blocks to sit down on. My friend had to sit a bit. He walks with a stick and coordinating iPad etc, is not so easy with a stick.

We used a free Vline travel voucher which also gives Zone 1 & 2 in Melbourne. After the Immigration Museum, we had the most delicious gelato at Brunetti in Flinders Lane. You cannot beat that place for anything food-related (except that you order & wait for your number). The building is fabulous. Also love Journal & City Library opposite!

– Angie

Programming and Events

In addition to the exhibition, the Immigration Museum is hosting a range of engaging events and activities over summer to complement your visit:

French Conversation Club
- Dates: First Saturday monthly (7 December, 11 January, 1 February, 1 March, 5 April)
- Time: 10.30am–11.30am
- Cost: Adult $25, Senior $20, Concession $15, Member $15
  Practise your French with guidance from the VoulezVouloz French school in a relaxed group setting. Includes snacks and drinks. Find out more here.

Notre-Dame Windows
- Dates: January school holidays, daily
- Time: 10am–5pm
- Cost: Free, all ages
  Bring the family to learn about Notre-Dame’s architecture and create your own stained ‘glass’ masterpiece to take home.
Grand Spaces, Gripping Histories Tour
- Dates: Opening weekend (7 December) and fortnightly Saturdays
- Times: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
- Cost: Adult $25, Senior $20, Concession $10, Member $10, Child $10
  Explore the connections between Notre-Dame and the Immigration Museum’s Old Customs House in a fascinating guided tour through French and Australian history. Find more here.
Notre-Dame Expert Talks
- Details: Historians, curators, and heritage architects share insights into the secrets of Notre-Dame and its restoration.
  
  Find more information on the event program at Immigration Museum.

Terrie’s review

The Notre-Dame de Paris exhibition is now on at the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St. It wasn’t too far for my husband and me to walk from Southern Cross Station—we love taking the train into the city. As pensioners, we were delighted to find that entry was free.

At the entrance, we were handed a tablet called a HistoPad. But seniors, don’t be put off by the modern technology—it’s super easy to use, and the staff are incredibly helpful if you need any assistance. This HistoPad takes you on an immersive journey through Notre-Dame’s history, from its 12th-century origins to its meticulous restoration after the devastating 2019 fire.

At each of the 14 stations, you simply hold up the HistoPad to explore Notre-Dame’s transformation through the centuries in a stunning 3D, 360-degree experience. It’s truly incredible. We spent about two hours slowly making our way through, captivated by the detailed images and historical insights. Moving the HistoPad allowed us to see all around—like stepping right into history.

There were plenty of seats around the edges, making it easy to take our time and soak it all in. I was fascinated and completely immersed in the experience. Before visiting, I didn’t know much about Notre-Dame, but this exhibition gave me such admiration for the architects, builders, stonemasons, and so many skilled artisans who brought it to life. Seeing how the restoration is honouring their craftsmanship was just as inspiring.

The exhibition attracted a mix of ages, but it never felt crowded. I would highly recommend it to anyone—it’s a truly remarkable experience!

– Terrie

Behind the Notre-Dame Exhibition

Produced by Histovery in collaboration with Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris and supported by L’Oréal Groupe, the exhibition has captivated audiences worldwide. It offers an immersive glimpse into the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who built Notre-Dame, as well as the modern experts dedicated to its restoration.

Tips and Tidbits for Notre-Dame de Paris Exhibition

Exhibition dates are from 6 December 2024 – 27 April 2025;
Tickets: Included with general museum entry;
- Adults: $15
- Seniors: $10
- Members, Concession, Pensioners, and Children (16 and under): Free
iPads are provided for use during the exhibition, with staff on hand for assistance if needed;
Concrete bench seating is located within the exhibition, which is in the stunning Long Room;
Exploring the rest of the Immigration Museum is a must! The Joy exhibition in particular is a lot of fun;
Side Trip: Head to the nearby Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne, or find a nice restaurant for lunch on Flinders Lane while there.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of French culture, or simply curious about one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Immigration Museum Accessibility

Accessible ramp entrance via Market Street, with lift access, and accessible toilets onsite;
Free wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available – book in advance;
Resources for deaf and blind/low vision are available;
Autism-friendly with low-sensory spaces and social scripts available;
More detailed accessible advice can be found on their website here;
Flinders Street Station is 550 metres distance.

Immigration Museum Melbourne
400-424 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: 13 11 02

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Stunning Notre-Dame Exhibition at Melbourne’s Immigration Museum