We Had A Dino-mite Time At The New-Look Australian Museum!

After a mega 15-month renovation, the Australian Museum has finally opened its doors and is a natural-history wonderland for kids and families! We were lucky enough to go behind the scenes and take an in-depth look at the impressive new digs - just wait until you see what's in store for kids and families! 

A Blockbuster Renovation

When news came that Australia's first museum was closing down in 2019 for a 15-month long renovation, we all were all expecting some pretty big things, and the new-look Australian Museum doesn't disappoint! 3,000-square-metres of new public space is on offer to Sydney families thanks to the Project Discovery renovation, which includes a whopping new touring exhibition hall (nearly double its original size!), exciting galleries where children can see (and sometimes touch!) real-life models of some of their favourite animals, new education facilities, an expanded Member's Lounge, a family-friendly cafe, Museum gift shop, Prehistoric Playground for the kids, free entry and the list just goes on and on!

In terms of styling, the centuries-old building has been given one hefty lick of paint, impressive glass panelling, a new central staircase with amazing views of St Mary's Cathedral, and improved accessibility, all of which help to breath new light into one of the countries favourite museums. We were so impressed with how the new modern touches still didn't draw focus away from the fact that the Australian Museum is close to 200 years old! Much of the heritage charms can still be seen in this Grand Old Dame.

Dynamic Dinosaurs 

The sparkling new spaces at the Australian Museum are geared up to host blockbuster local and international exhibitions, the first of which is Tyrannosaurus - Meet The Family, featuring - you guessed it - Tyrannosaurus Rex in a brand-new gallery space in the Museum basement. This colossal collection of Tyrannosaurus skeletons, fossils, eggs, and skulls is a child's dream exhibition because, let's face it, which child isn't obsessed with dinosaurs?! Our little one certainly is and was thrilled at the chance to (finally!) meet a T-Rex in real life. To say these relics are huge is an understatement. The king of all dinosaurs is on display in all his glory & will have all kids exclaiming "wow!" over and over again as our little one did (and not stop talking about it all the way home!).

The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition also returns to the Grand Hall and will excite all budding photographers with inspiring wildlife photography by incredible photographers such as Robert Irwin, Greg Lecoeur, and Matt Wright. 

Prehistoric Playground

But wait there's more! Little ones keen to become a scientist for a day can learn about paleontology through hands-on activities like dusting fossils, designing their own dinosaurs, and investigating how feathers and wings have evolved in order for birds to fly. 

Kids can explore the thrill of discovery with interactive games connecting them to the dinosaur world and beyond. I know we'll be back for more interactive play these school holidays (Mr 4-year-old is demanding so!).

Another welcome addition to the new-look Australian Museum is a family-friendly cafe right next to the Prehistoric Playground where families can enjoy refreshments and busy parents can refuel with coffee! And if you're lucky enough to be an AM Member you not only get free entry to special exhibitions and shop discounts, but you will also be spoilt with a brand-new Members Lounge with all the mod-cons and refreshments you can handle.

Is The Australian Museum Free?

Yes! To celebrate the reopening, general admission to the Australian Museum will be FREE for adults and children for a limited time. Charges apply for Tyrannosaurs - Meet The Family exhibition.

In Other News

Cuto Kids Cafe Opens In Sydney
Entertainment Park - Sydney's Biggest Indoor Entertainment Space
Luna Park Sydney Gets A Makeover

 

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