Australian Museum

Australian Museum
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Name	Australian Museum
Caption	The William Street facade of the main building
Established	30 March 1827
Location	1 William Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Type	Natural history and cultural anthropology
Director	Kim McKay
President	David Gonski AC
Publictransit	St James railway station; Sydney bus routes 311, 323, 324, 325
Website	australian.museum

Australian Museum. Established in 1827, it is the oldest museum in Australia and a leading institution for scientific research, collections, and public engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in Sydney, its mission encompasses the fields of natural history and anthropology, aiming to inspire exploration, understanding, and care for our world. The museum holds collections of international significance and is a major cultural destination for both local communities and international visitors.

History

The institution was founded on 30 March 1827 by Earl Bathurst, then Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, with an early advocate being the Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay. Its first home was a room in the Colonial Secretary's building, before moving to the "Macleay Museum" on College Street in 1849 under the curatorship of William Holmes. Early scientific leadership came from figures like Gerard Krefft, who expanded the collections despite controversies leading to his dismissal. The museum played a pivotal role in 19th-century exploration, supporting the work of naturalists on voyages like those of HMS *Rattlesnake* and the Challenger expedition. A significant period of growth occurred under the directorship of Robert Etheridge, Jr., and later, the museum was profoundly influenced by the anthropological work of Alfred Radcliffe-Brown. It has continuously evolved, with major architectural expansions in the 20th and 21st centuries to accommodate its growing role in research and public education.

Collections and research

The museum's collections exceed 21 million cultural and scientific specimens, forming a critical resource for national and international research. Key areas include significant Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material, as well as extensive collections from Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Its natural science holdings are vast, with major collections in mineralogy, palaeontology, entomology, and marine invertebrates. The institution employs a team of research scientists and curators who collaborate with organizations like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and universities worldwide. Notable research initiatives have included the Australian Biological Resources Study and major expeditions to locations such as the Great Barrier Reef and Lord Howe Island. The museum also publishes the peer-reviewed journal Records of the Australian Museum and manages important biodiversity databases.

Building and architecture

The main complex is situated on the corner of William Street and College Street in the Sydney central business district, adjacent to Hyde Park. The core is a sandstone building designed in the Victorian Free Classical style by the colonial architect James Barnet, with construction beginning in 1846. A prominent addition is the William Street wing, a modern glass and steel structure designed by Neille and completed in 2008, which houses the Crystal Hall entrance. Other notable spaces include the restored Westpac Long Gallery, one of the oldest museum galleries in Australia, and the Museum of Sydney on the site of First Government House. The building is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and is part of the Hyde Park Barracks Group.

Public programs and exhibitions

The museum delivers a wide array of public-facing activities, including permanent galleries, major temporary exhibitions, and educational programs. Long-standing permanent exhibitions focus on topics like Australian dinosaurs, Indigenous cultures, and biodiversity. It has hosted acclaimed international touring exhibitions, often in partnership with institutions like the British Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. The institution operates innovative educational outreach through its Australian Museum Centre for Citizen Science and digital platforms, offering virtual tours and online collections. Key annual events include the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, which celebrate Australian science, and cultural festivals that engage with communities across New South Wales.

Governance and funding

The museum operates as a statutory authority of the Government of New South Wales, established under the Australian Museum Act 1975. It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Minister for the Arts, with current leadership provided by President David Gonski and Director and CEO Kim McKay. Primary funding is received from the New South Wales Department of the Arts, with additional significant revenue generated through commercial activities, philanthropic donations from partners like the Australian Museum Foundation, and federal grants from bodies such as the Australian Research Council. The museum also maintains important research partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution and universities including the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales. Category:Museums in Sydney Category:Natural history museums in Australia Category:Science museums in Australia Category:Australian Museum Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1857