Australian Museum: Free Entry And Fun

is australian museum free

The Australian Museum in Sydney, founded in 1827, is the country's oldest museum. It houses over 21 million scientific specimens and cultural artefacts. The museum offers free general admission to its permanent exhibitions, including the First Nations gallery, Garrigarrang (Sea Country), which showcases the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Special exhibitions and events may require a separate ticket. The museum also offers various amenities, such as a shop, a café, and a members-only lounge.

Characteristics Values
General admission Free
Permanent exhibitions Free
Special exhibitions Paid
School holiday programs Paid
Workshops Paid
Talks Paid
Events Paid
First Nations cultural programs Paid
Car parking Paid
Bistro Gadi Paid
Shop Free entry
Burra learning and play space Free
Wi-Fi Free
Photography Free
Membership Paid

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General admission is free

The Australian Museum in Sydney is offering free general admission for adults and children for a limited time. This includes admission to all permanent exhibitions, such as the First Nations gallery, Garrigarrang (Sea Country), where you can learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture.

The Australian Museum is Australia's first museum, founded in 1827, and is located in the heart of Sydney, opposite Hyde Park and St Mary's Cathedral. It is a working museum with over 21 million scientific specimens and cultural objects in its collections, including the Southern Hemisphere's largest collection of natural, cultural, and historical objects and specimens.

Free general admission also includes access to the Museum Shop, where you can purchase products inspired by the Museum's collections, as well as the Burra learning and play space, and the Billabong Waterhole Café on Level 2. The Museum also has a second café, a renovated Members Lounge, and updated amenities.

While general admission is free, entry fees may apply to special exhibitions and tickets may be required for programs, events, workshops, and school holiday programs. These tickets can be purchased online or at the Admissions Desk on the Ground Floor using cash, EFTPOS, or credit card. It is recommended to pre-book tickets for these special exhibitions, programs, and events to secure your preferred session entry time.

The Australian Museum provides a great opportunity for families to explore and learn together, with free entry for children and a range of free creative experiences and school holiday programs designed to stimulate imaginations and inspire curious minds.

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Entry to special exhibitions is ticketed

Entry to the Australian Museum is free for all visitors for a limited time. This includes free entry to permanent exhibitions, such as the First Nations gallery, Garrigarrang (Sea Country), which explores the history, culture, and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The permanent exhibition also includes the Indigenous Australians exhibition space, featuring the Dauma and Garom ghost net sculptures, which highlight the damage that ghost nets cause to the waters of northern Australia.

However, entry to special exhibitions and events is ticketed. Tickets for these special exhibitions can be purchased online or at the Admissions Desk on the Ground Floor using cash, EFTPOS, or credit card. It is strongly recommended to pre-book tickets online to secure a preferred session entry time. Tickets for special exhibitions are also included for AM Members, who also receive access to discounted tickets.

The Australian Museum also offers school holiday programs with free creative experiences for children, including an immersive journey through the eyes of the burra (eel) in the museum's learning and play space, Burra. These programs are ticketed and require booking in advance.

The Australian Museum is located in the center of Sydney, opposite Hyde Park and St. Mary's Cathedral, and is easily accessible by public transport. The museum is open every day except Christmas Day.

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Free for children under 16

The Australian Museum in Sydney offers free general admission to its permanent exhibitions, making it an excellent option for a family day out. This includes free entry for children under 16, allowing young minds to explore and learn about the diverse cultural and natural history of Australia and beyond.

As Australia's first museum, founded in 1827, it boasts an extensive collection of over 21 million scientific specimens and cultural artefacts. The museum showcases the rich cultures of the Australian Salt Water people and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the First Nations gallery, Garrigarrang (Sea Country). Here, visitors can delve into the histories, stories, and artistic traditions of these First Nations peoples, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their enduring legacy.

The Australian Museum also offers a range of free creative experiences and school holiday programs designed to spark children's imaginations. These programs provide immersive journeys, such as following the life cycle of the burra (eel), where children can learn about the environment, scientific research, and the importance of caring for Country.

Additionally, the museum features a family-friendly café, the Billabong Waterhole, located on Level 2, offering light meals, snacks, and drinks. With its central location in Sydney, opposite Hyde Park and St Mary's Cathedral, the Australian Museum is easily accessible and provides a wealth of educational and engaging experiences for children under 16, all free of charge.

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Cafe and shop on-site

The Australian Museum in Sydney is free for all visitors, including families, and there is plenty to see and do for all ages. The museum has a shop and two cafes on-site, so visitors can easily spend a whole day there.

The Museum Shop is located on the ground floor and is open during Museum hours. Here, you can purchase beautiful objects inspired by the Museum's collections, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and cultural artefacts, as well as Australian dinosaur-themed items. All proceeds from the shop go towards funding the museum's science, education and exhibition programs.

The Australian Museum has two cafes, offering a range of hot and cold food and beverages. The first is Bistro Gadi, located on Level 4, which serves up a fresh seasonal menu with views across Sydney and down to the harbour. Executive Chef Keith Higginson has crafted a market table with fresh dishes to choose from. This casual yet elegant bistro offers great value for money and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.

The second cafe is the family-friendly Billabong Waterhole, located on Level 2. Here, you can find light meals, snacks, cold drinks, tea and coffee, with the option to take away or eat in. This cafe is ideal for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, and it also offers corporate lunch packages for those looking to host work events.

Whether you're looking for a bite to eat, some unique shopping, or an immersive cultural experience, the Australian Museum in Sydney has something for everyone. With free admission, it's a great option for a family day out or a place to gain new perspectives and insights.

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First Nations cultural programs

The Australian Museum in Sydney is Australia's first museum. It is currently offering free general admission for adults and children for a limited time to celebrate its reopening. The museum has spent more than 190 years building a collection of over 21.9 million objects and specimens. It is committed to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment, wildlife conservation, and prioritising First Nations cultures.

The First Nations gallery, Garrigarrang (Sea Country), takes visitors on a journey to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and lived experiences. The gallery features the Dauma and Garom ghost net sculptures, which are made from discarded fishing nets that litter the waters off northern Australia. Aboriginal guides lead Waranara First Nations tours, which explore the concept of Country and culture.

The museum also offers a First Nations Hub, which aims to improve access for First Nations people to important archival material about culture, kinship, stories, and languages within the State Archives Collection. The Hub features Eora, a 20-minute digital film by the late Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi filmmaker and photographer Michael Riley. The film tells the story of Sydney's First Nations people before and after colonisation.

In addition to the Hub, the museum has developed an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan for 2023-2025, which outlines the actions the museum is taking to reconcile with its past and build a shared future with First Nations peoples. The museum also offers volunteer programs and internships, as well as school holiday programs that include First Nations cultural programs.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the Australian Museum in Sydney offers free general admission to all its visitors, including free entry to all permanent exhibitions. However, entry fees apply to special exhibitions and tickets may be required for certain programs and events.

Ticket prices for special exhibitions and events at the Australian Museum vary, with prices ranging from A$8 to A$15.

Yes, children under 16 years of age can enter the museum for free. Additionally, carers can also enter for free upon presentation of their Companion Card.

The Australian Museum offers a range of permanent and special exhibitions, as well as programs and events. Visitors can explore the First Nations gallery, Garrigarrang (Sea Country), which showcases the history, culture, and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The museum also hosts school holiday programs, talks, workshops, and First Nations cultural programs.

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