Melbourne Museum, located in the heart of Carlton Gardens, offers a rich blend of exhibitions, interactive displays, and educational programmes designed to captivate visitors of all ages. Open daily from 9am – 5pm except Good Friday and Christmas Day, the museum is the perfect destination for families, students, and anyone curious about the world around us.
Unveil the wonders of life at Melbourne Museum, the place for dino-enthusiasts of all ages. Explore the awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibition featuring Triceratops, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s an interactive experience designed to spark imaginations and ignite a passion for palaeontology.
Fun for the Whole Family
One of the many perks of visiting Melbourne Museum is that children 16 and under enjoy free general entry to all permanent exhibitions. This makes it an affordable and exciting destination for families looking to explore together. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by towering dinosaur skeletons in the Dinosaur Walk and the mesmerising displays in the Science and Life Gallery.
For those who prefer to explore from home, the Melbourne Museum offers the “Museum at Home” initiative. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained while learning something new.
Interactive Learning and School Holiday Fun
Melbourne Museum offers curriculum-linked resources that are perfect for remote classrooms or home-based learning. During school holidays, the museum kicks things up a notch with creative activities that get kids’ imaginations flowing. From project ideas to fun facts and videos, there’s always something new to discover. The museum’s educational store also offers a wide range of puzzles and activities that can help keep little hands and minds busy at home.
Melbourne Museum Membership and Melbourne Museum Parking
For a convenient visit, consider applying for a Melbourne Museum membership. Membership grants you free general admission to all three museums throughout the year, along with exclusive discounts on Melbourne Museum parking. This makes repeated visits throughout the year a breeze, allowing families to explore different exhibitions and programs at their own pace.
Beyond the Museum Walls
The Melbourne Museum is just one part of Museums Victoria, which offers a wealth of experiences beyond the museum’s walls. Museums Victoria offers unique experiences like “Unboxing the Museum,” where expert staff provide behind-the-scenes tours of their favourite objects, and “Reminiscing Online,” a nostalgic trip back in time with music, photos, and quizzes from the past.
Royal Exhibition Building
Constructed for the Great Exhibition of 1880, Royal Exhibition Building is one of the oldest surviving exhibition pavilions in the world. The building later became a site of national significance, hosting the first Commonwealth Parliament in 1901. In 2004, it earned the distinction of being Australia’s first World Heritage-listed building.
The meticulously restored interior, grand galleries, and iconic soaring dome make the Royal Exhibition Building’s Great Hall an extraordinary venue for a variety of events, including trade shows, fairs, and cultural gatherings. The annual International Flower and Garden Show is a notable highlight hosted at this venue.
Guided tours of the Royal Exhibition Building begin at Melbourne Museum. For more details, contact Melbourne Museum at 13 11 02.
Mercury Restaurant
Don’t forget to check out the new Mercury Restaurant located within the museum. Overlooking the stunning Royal Exhibition Building, the restaurant offers an elevated dining experience where you can unwind with a glass of wine, coffee, or a delicious lunch made to order.
Museums Victoria Membership Program
Museums Victoria Membership offers unlimited free general entry to Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, and Immigration Museum, along with exclusive benefits like member-only events, pre-sale opportunities, and the Discover publication. Members enjoy discounts, including 10% off at museum shops and cafés, reduced parking rates ($14 all-day, $5 after 4pm), and savings on IMAX, the Lightning Room, Melbourne Planetarium, and Royal Exhibition Building tours, as well as touring exhibitions like Antopia. Gift memberships are available, providing year-round access to all three museums—perfect for loved ones. Your membership also supports the preservation of Victoria’s State Collection for future generations. Join now: museumsvictoria.com.au.