What is unique about the nation museum of Australia?

Central to the Museum’s philosophy is the idea of Australia’s living cultures. This refers not only to the living nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, but also the notion of the Museum as an evolving institution, as a ‘living culture’.

The Museum displays living cultures – cultures that evolve and continually recreate themselves. Living cultures create objects, ceremonies, songs and stories – and use these to sustain themselves and give meaning to their lives. It is important for the Museum to engage with these living cultures and acknowledge the continuing cultural practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today, recognising the vitality and diversity of Indigenous languages and cultures.

Collection

The National Museum of Australia’s collection is one of the most significant collections of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander material culture in the world, and includes over one million objects.

It contains some of the oldest material evidence of Aboriginal culture, including art, tools and weapons, dating from more than 65,000 years ago. The collection also includes examples of contemporary Indigenous art and craft, and a wide range of historical material documenting Indigenous Australians’ experiences of contact with European settlers, including photographs, diaries and other archival records.

The Museum’s collection also reflects Australia’s social, cultural and environmental history. It includes items from the First Fleet, military uniforms, musical instruments, sporting memorabilia, furniture, photographs, and art works from the colonial period to the present day.

The Museum collects material from a wide range of sources, including donations from individuals and organisations, purchases from commercial galleries, and objects collected by museum staff. The Museum also conducts its own archaeological and ethnographic research, and works with Indigenous communities to document their cultural heritage.

The Museum’s collection is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and the general public. It is used for a wide range of purposes, including exhibitions, educational programs, publications, and research projects.

Research and exhibitions

The Museum is a world leader in research into Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Australian history. Research carried out by Museum staff encompasses topics such as archaeology, linguistics, anthropology, history, and art.

The Museum’s research informs its exhibitions and educational programs, ensuring that visitors have access to the most up-to-date information and research. The Museum also collaborates with other institutions, both in Australia and overseas, to conduct research and develop exhibitions.

The Museum presents a variety of exhibitions, which explore different aspects of Australian history and culture. Many exhibitions are developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are represented. The Museum also hosts touring exhibitions from other institutions, and develops travelling exhibitions that tour regional Australia and overseas.

Educational programs

The Museum offers a wide range of educational programs, which are designed to engage visitors of all ages with Australian history and culture. These programs include guided tours, workshops, school excursions, and online resources.

The Museum also works closely with schools to develop curriculum-aligned resources, and provides opportunities for students to engage with Museum staff and collections as part of their studies.

Public programs

The Museum offers a variety of public programs, including lectures, concerts, film screenings, and festivals. These programs provide opportunities for visitors to learn about different aspects of Australian history and culture, and to engage with the Museum in a social and interactive way.