National Museum of Australia

National Museum of Australia
source
Name	National Museum of Australia
Location	Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Type	National museum
Established	1980

National Museum of Australia. The National Museum of Australia is a social history museum located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, which explores the history of Australia and its people, from the Indigenous Australians to the present day, with connections to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. The museum's story is intertwined with that of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the National Library of Australia, and the Australian War Memorial. The museum's development was influenced by key figures such as Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser, and Bob Hawke.

● History

The National Museum of Australia has its roots in the National Museum of Australia Act 1980, which was passed by the Australian Parliament during the government of Malcolm Fraser. The museum's establishment was the result of a long campaign by Australian historians and museologists, including Wray Vamplew and Daryl Lindsay, who were influenced by the Smithsonian Institution and the British Museum. The museum's first director, Duncan McIntyre, played a crucial role in shaping its early development, with support from Australian National University and the CSIRO. The museum's history is also connected to significant events such as the Bicentenary of Australia and the Centenary of Federation.

● Collections

The National Museum of Australia's collections comprise over 200,000 objects, including artifacts related to Australian sports, such as the Australian Football League and the Cricket World Cup, as well as objects associated with Australian art, including works by Arthur Boyd and Sidney Nolan. The museum's collections also include objects related to Australian science and technology, such as the CSIRO and the Australian Academy of Science, as well as objects associated with Australian politics, including the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party of Australia. The museum has partnerships with other institutions, such as the Powerhouse Museum and the Queensland Museum, to share knowledge and resources.

● Exhibitions

The National Museum of Australia has hosted a wide range of exhibitions, including those on Australian history, such as the History of Australia and the Australian Gold Rush, as well as exhibitions on Australian culture, including the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The museum has also hosted exhibitions on Australian science and technology, such as the Australian Space Agency and the CSIRO, as well as exhibitions on Australian sport, including the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup. The museum's exhibitions often feature loans from other institutions, such as the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial.

● Architecture

The National Museum of Australia's building was designed by Arup and Ashton Raggatt McDougall, and features a unique brise soleil design, which provides shade and reduces the need for air conditioning. The building's design was influenced by the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and features a range of sustainable design elements, including rainwater harvesting and solar panels. The museum's building has won several awards, including the RAIA National Award and the Australian Institute of Architects award.

● Programs_and_Services

The National Museum of Australia offers a range of programs and services, including education programs for schools and universities, such as the Australian National University and the University of Melbourne. The museum also offers research programs and fellowships, in partnership with institutions such as the Australian Research Council and the CSIRO. The museum's programs and services also include community outreach and public events, such as the National Museum of Australia's annual lecture series, which features speakers such as Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd.

● Governance

The National Museum of Australia is governed by a Council, which is appointed by the Australian Government, with representatives from institutions such as the Australian National University and the University of Melbourne. The museum's director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the museum, and is supported by a team of curators and conservators, who work with other institutions, such as the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. The museum is also subject to oversight by the Australian Parliament, through the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications. The museum's governance is influenced by key legislation, such as the National Museum of Australia Act 1980 and the Cultural Institutions (Participations) Act 1992.

Category:Museums in Australia