Melbourne Museum: Largest in southern hemisphere
Posted On January 5, 2011
Scattered over three levels with its unique towering roofline as well as impressive proportions, the ultra-contemporary Melbourne Museum has become the largest museum complex not only in the country, but in the entire Southern Hemisphere. However it is not only its grand dimensions that draw millions here, but it is also the genuine gems ranging from the Aboriginal legacy to the current era’s digital wonders, which stun the minds. Nestled at the Carlton Gardens in the Victoria’s capital, the Melbourne Museum has incorporated the latest technology via which the visitors can peep into the nation’s flora, fauna, and culture.
What to see and do?
The museum is operated by Museum Victoria whose displays encompass 16 million items in across four galleries. At the museum, over 20 exhibitions occupy the different sections as well as galleries. The most worthy exhibitions among these are the Children’s Museum Big Box, Bunjilaka the Aboriginal Centre, and the galleries related to Australia, Forest, Te Pasifika, Science and Life, Evolution, and Mind and Body. So, the displays at the Melbourne Museum range from forest secrets to dinosaurs along with some traveling exhibitions too.
Discover the nature in the digital set up wherein one comes to know as to how the digital technology, geology, and biodiversity influence our vision of the nature by being at the Science and Life Gallery featuring the skeletons of dinosaurs, marine life, and bugs live! Listen to the live explanation of Victoria’s soaring, mild forests holding thousands of plants from different species. Explore the living Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre dedicated to the Koori community of the southeast zone of the nation; spot the popular race horse, Phar lap in the Melbourne Gallery; and see what the Big Box has to offer to the kids of 3 to 8 years via its excitingly stimulating environment. Fulfill your dreams of big screen at the nearby IMAX Theatre featuring the largest screen on the planet, which soars up to eight levels as well as offers state-of-the-art technology.
The display ‘600 million years of Victoria’ showcases prehistoric animals like Muttaburrasaurus, Tiktaalik, and Anomalocaris. Look for the Melbourne Gallery – where the mounted hide of Phar Lap, a race horse that won the Melbourne Cup during the depression era, is exhibited. In the Mind and Body Gallery, learn all about the human body, whereas at the Evolution Gallery features ‘Darwin to DNA’ and wild animals. The Pasifika Gallery focuses on the history of Pacific islanders. Do not walk out without peeping into the Touring Hall that houses international exhibitions. And when you are out do amble on the public spaces showing various displays about the nation’s history. Here, do look for a Pygmy Blue Whale and CSIRAC as an early computer.
Facilities
Expect different accessible facilities; car parking that is conveniently located with affordable prices and allowing access to the Royal Exhibition Building; the Museum Shop offering extensive range of educational books, toys, gifts, and souvenirs; and the Museum café providing hot and cold food.
Timings
The Melbourne Museum can be visited from morning 10 to evening 5 everyday, leaving behind Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Admission fee
$8 per adult, children under 16 are given free entry, and concession to the card holders (Commonwealth Seniors Card, International Seniors Card, Health Care Card, Pension Card, Student Card, Overseas University Card, and Veterans Affairs Card)
A few touring exhibitions might charge for extra.
Location
Between Rathdown and Nicholson Streets
Reaching to the museum
If you come here by car, you can park it at the underground car parking from the Nicholson or Rathdown Streets. There is also a tram available, which you can catch. Tram 86 or 96 will take you to the Nicholson and Gertrude Streets, while the City Circle Tram leads one to the Victoria Streets after which you need to follow the marks up to the Carlton Gardens. There is one more option to come here, via train. If you wish, catch the City Loop Train and get down at the Parliament Station from where you just have to follow the Carlton Gardens signs.
Tip:
Go through the Visitor Guide so that you can plan your visit, as it points to the location of the major galleries and facilities.
