Museums Victoria
Museums Victoria, Australia’s largest public museum organisation, offers a world of discovery for visitors of all ages, especially families with curious young minds. With three distinct museums – Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks, and Immigration Museum – spread across Melbourne, there’s something to ignite every curiosity. Plus, kids aged 16 and under get free general admission to all three museums!
Melbourne Museum: Home of Dinosaurs and wondrous discoveries
Unveil the wonders of life at Melbourne Museum, the ultimate destination for dino-enthusiasts of all ages. Explore the awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibition featuring Triceratops, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This interactive experience is designed to spark imaginations and ignite a passion for palaeontology.
Beyond prehistoric giants, Melbourne Museum offers a diverse range of exhibitions and experiences. Discover the Forest Gallery, a living, breathing ecosystem, or explore Melbourne Story, which delves into the city’s fascinating history. Wander through the Gandel Gondwana Garden, showcasing ancient landscapes, and be amazed by Bugs Alive!, an up-close look at the world of insects.
The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre celebrates the rich traditions of Aboriginal Australia through interactive displays, storytelling, and captivating performances. Families with young children will love the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery, an immersive space designed for babies to 5-year-olds, fostering play-based learning.
Melbourne Museum also offers guided tours, providing deeper insights into its exhibits, as well as special events like Halloween at the Museum, Nocturnal, and engaging school holiday programs. Visitors can also experience temporary touring exhibitions, bringing fascinating displays from around the world.
For a complete cultural experience, visit the adjacent World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, which you can explore through guided tours. Don’t forget to catch a stunning show at IMAX Melbourne for a truly immersive experience.
With so much to see and do, Melbourne Museum is a must-visit destination for all ages!
Inner Scientists at Scienceworks
Spark your curiosity at Scienceworks, a wonderland designed to ignite a love for science and technology in young minds. Kids can test their physical skills, journey through space with immersive Planetarium shows, imagine the future, witness electrifying science in action, and explore the wonders of electricity, light, and sound through hands-on experiments—making it a guaranteed hit for families.
Immigration Museum
Immigration Museum, in the historic Old Customs House, engages visitors with the history and experiences of immigration and cultural diversity.
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. 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.
Educational Programs for Budding Researchers
Museums Victoria offers a plethora of educational programs designed to engage and inspire young minds. School groups can embark on a learning adventure with specialised programs tailored to different age groups. There are even sensory-friendly museum experiences to ensure everyone can enjoy the wonders within. From workshops and camps to interactive storytelling sessions, Museums Victoria provides enriching experiences that go beyond traditional museum exhibits.
Celebrate Milestones in a Unique Setting
Host an event at one of Museums Victoria’s unique venues. Imagine celebrating a child’s birthday party surrounded by dinosaur skeletons at Melbourne Museum, or holding a family reunion under the grandeur of the Royal Exhibition Building’s dome. Museums Victoria offers a variety of event spaces, catering to all occasions, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Learners
Museums Victoria is also dedicated to preserving Australia’s cultural and scientific heritage. Their extensive library, archives, and journals offer a treasure trove of information for researchers and history buffs alike. By visiting Museums Victoria, you’re not only enriching your own life but also supporting an organisation that inspires the next generation of learners and fosters a love for exploration and discovery.