The National Gallery of Victoria, or the NGV, is a historic art museum in the heart of Melbourne. Established in the year 1861, it remains famous as the country's oldest surviving public art exposition space. The museum building was built to the designs of Sir Roy Grounds and remodeled by Mario Bellini. The expansive art display of NGV incorporates native artworks, contemporary art, Impressionist works, and colonial art items, apart from other genres. Various art objects on display chronicle the evolution of Australian works and the influence of European techniques. Notable exhibits include Shearing the Rams by Tom Roberts and The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin. International artifacts on display at the NGV cover categories like Pacific art, European textiles, Asian art, and Mesoamerican art. The museum is also home to a dedicated photography section that showcases more than 15,000 items.
Established in the 19th Century, the Old Melbourne Gaol is Victoria's oldest surviving prison. The gaol, now operating as a heritage museum, is stationed within a bluestone building that opened in 1842. During its tenure, it housed thousands of inmates, most notably the infamous Ned Kelly, who was held here until his execution in 1880, after standing trial for crimes including murder, bank robbery, and resisting arrest. It functioned as a prison until 1924. Today, the site is well-preserved and its architecture untouched, save modern conveniences later added for visitors. The museum spans three stories of the prison building, with displays ranging from historical accounts, to personal belongings of former inmates. The gaol also features a 40-minute interactive Watch House experience complete with staged arrests. Brave souls can explore the erstwhile prison by candlelight via a Night Tour.
The Jewish Museum is a modern museum set up to conserve and exhibit Jewish heritage, custom, religious practice and arts. Interactive displays are used to tell the unique story of Jewish life in Australia. Other permanent exhibitions are The Jewish Year; Belief and Ritual; and The Timeline of Jewish History. Temporary exhibitions tell remarkable and moving personal stories, show beautiful works of art and explore the history and lives of Jewish people throughout the world. The museum shop has a wide selection of books, gifts and unique finely crafted 'Judaica' by Australian artists. The museum also has a function room with full kosher catering as well as private guided tours of the exhibitions.
Established in the year 2007 in a building which was once the mint, The Hellenic Museum endeavors to follow the history, art and culture of Greece. Following the development of art and culture of this illustrious country from ancient to modern times, the museum uses the aid of both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Among the permanent displays are a selection of ancient Greek antiques brought in from Southern Italy and Greek statues which were sourced from the Greek National Archaeological Museum and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Also dedicated to promoting architecture, art, music and film, most of the museum's temporary exhibits and, indeed, many of the permanent installations focus on these aspects.
Located at the birthplace of the Royal Australian Air Force, the museum incorporates multimedia technology to take visitors from the RAAF's World War I beginnings through to today. As a fully operational flying unit of the RAAF, the museum maintains a fleet of airworthy aircraft, which take to the skies on special days (aircraft include a Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, Vampire, replica Fokker Triplamce and Sopwith Pup). History buffs will be fascinated by the collection of aircraft, uniforms, posters and other memorabilia on display. Admission is free. Guided tours are available for schools and groups during the week. Advance bookings are essential.
The National Sports Museum is located in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the north eastern sector of the new stand. This museum exhibits the sports memorabilia awarded to Australian sports men and women all at one place. Achievement of success in sports is celebrated, thereby inspiring the Australian youth to set definite goals, achieve them with fair play and win laurels. The country's sporting heritage is preserved and appreciated in this one-of-a-kind museum.
It has often been said that Australians are so obsessed with gambling, they would bet on two flies crawling up a window! While their passion might not run to that extent in all cases, there is certainly an affinity with horse racing. At the Australian Racing Museum you can take a trip back through time, perusing art, photographs and memorabilia inspired by the champions of the turf. For statistics buffs, the museum houses the complete records of all races in Australia. The museum is a tribute to all the jockeys and trainers and has a huge display which focuses on Thoroughbred horse racing. The museum is open throughout the year.
Run by dedicated volunteers of the Williamstown Historical Society, Williamstown Museum is a tribute to the precinct's heyday in the late 1800's. Housed in the Mechanics Institute Building, a National Trust listed building: the museum's exhibition features maritime history, model ships, furniture, costumes and general exhibits relating to life in Williamstown from the time of the early settlements. While the official opening hours are quite limited, the historical society is happy to arrange group and school visits during the week. Call ahead to know more.
Lyon Housemuseum is the creation of Corbett Lyon, an architect and collector based in Australia. The museum boasts a wide variety of artwork by upcoming and prominent artists. If one is interested and open to contemporary design, then this is the place to be. You can shop for various books and catalogs at the center.
The Jewish Museum is a modern museum set up to conserve and exhibit Jewish heritage, custom, religious practice and arts. Interactive displays are used to tell the unique story of Jewish life in Australia. Other permanent exhibitions are The Jewish Year; Belief and Ritual; and The Timeline of Jewish History. Temporary exhibitions tell remarkable and moving personal stories, show beautiful works of art and explore the history and lives of Jewish people throughout the world. The museum shop has a wide selection of books, gifts and unique finely crafted 'Judaica' by Australian artists. The museum also has a function room with full kosher catering as well as private guided tours of the exhibitions.
Housed in an historic Georgian-style townhouse, the Johnston Collection is a treasury of decorative arts. The collection's pieces come mainly from the Georgian, Regency and French Empire periods and are displayed as if the home is lived in and the objects used by the family. For more details, check website.
After the Hawthorn Tram Depot shut shop in 1965, Transport Minister Robin Cooper announced the use of the depot as a museum that was established in 2003. Part of the Victorian Heritage Register, the Melbourne Tram Museum, as it came to be known, houses a range of 20 restored tramcars, along with peripheral memorabilia and exhibits. The museum is open to public only on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, from 11a to 5p.