The Australian Museum was founded almost 190 years ago and is considered to be the first-ever museum on the continent. The museum has been the leading hub of scientific research and STEM education in Australia. The museum is home to over 200,000 relics of cultural importance that are showcased in its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collection along with a number of other cultural objects from outside of Australia. With its top-notch exhibitions that attract visitors from across the globe, it is a highly significant venue for learning and cultural exchange.
Recently, it has been announced that the museum will undergo an exciting renovation and expansion that will enhance the visitor experience and also bring key international exhibitions to the continent.
The ambitious scheme has been called “Project Discover”. The first leg of the project is already in full swing as the museum has been shut down until the mid of next year while major renovation work kicks off. The project has an enormous budget of $57.5 million. This includes $50.5 million granted by the government and another $7 million which is yet to be raised. All of this will be spent on the renovation work.
The award-winning COX Architecture firm has been taken on board for the architectural and design needs of the project. The fresh funding that the museum has received under the project will enable it to substantially expand the venue’s halls by utilizing the existing storage spaces. This will allow the facility to hold touring exhibitions across a 1500 square metre area on two levels. The museum will thus be able to hold a major exhibition across two levels or simultaneously hold two exhibitions on each. Besides these upgrades to the facility, the project will add a number of new facilities and amenities across the venue to enhance the visitor experience.
The visitor experience is set to be greatly enhanced by the extra exhibition space that will allow visitors to witness international exhibitions. The new member’s lounge with more space and a beautiful view of the Cook & Phillip Park and St. Mary’s Cathedral is another addition that the visitors look forward to. There will be a new drop off and pick up area that will provide ease of access.
The new central staircase will and the modern, faster escalators will make moving around within the facility seamless for visitors. Moreover, a new family cafe is being built on level 2; where the visitors will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
On the educational experience front, there are new interactive study areas being built that will cater to the learning needs of children of all ages; from toddlers to 10th graders. There are new, flexible education rooms being installed that will transform into halls to cater to presentations and talks. The audio and video instruments that were used for educational purposes are all being revamped and upgraded as well. Other amenities include public amenities such as additional toilets and changing rooms.
