Planning an academic household day trip in Melbourne, particularly with older youngsters? The Immigration Museum ought to completely be in your checklist.
I believe it’s an essential establishment as a result of immigration is a crucial function of Australia’s historical past and nationwide id.
The migrant expertise is our shared story. Whether or not you’re a first-generation migrant like me, your ancestors got here to Australia on the First Fleet and even when you’re not a migrant however a member of a First Nations neighborhood – immigration impacts all of us.
With its relatable content material, interactive reveals, and handy entry inside Melbourne CBD, the Immigration Museum is a perfect vacation spot to be taught extra about Victoria and Australia’s variety and neighborhood.
Have a learn of what makes the Immigration Museum in Melbourne a must-visit attraction for households.
A Journey By Historical past
The Immigration Museum Melbourne is the biggest museum in Australia delving into the experiences of migrants and refugees who’ve made Australia their residence.
Situated on the historic Outdated Customs Home overlooking the Yarra River, the Immigration Museum spans over three ranges with a mixture of everlasting and short-term exhibitions.
I like to recommend beginning on the primary ground, shifting to the second ground then ending on the bottom ground.
Getting In
The “Getting In” exhibition that explores Australia’s immigration insurance policies by historical past.
It covers 4 key intervals from the 1840s to the current day with images, historic objects, and private tales.
The children most benefit from the interactive theatre expertise the place they get to step into the sneakers of a authorities official who interviews folks and decides who ‘will get in’ to Australia.
This eye-opening exercise results in a dialogue about whether or not or not my grandmother, who didn’t communicate English, would have been allowed emigrate to Australia below these situations.
Leaving House
On the wall the exhibition asks: ‘Why did you or your loved ones come to Australia?’
“Leaving House” explores why folks migrated to Australia, from escaping battle and persecution to looking for journey and new beginnings.
The exhibit makes use of sounds, objects and pictures to spotlight the non-public tales behind migration. It’s not simply the tales although – the objects mirror every particular person’s emotions of unhappiness, pleasure, worry and hope.
Voices Throughout Time
The “Voices Throughout Time” exhibition tells the tales of First Peoples and immigrants by historical past by private tales, images and objects. It explores how their experiences intersect in pleasure, sorrow, loss, and resilience.
There’s quite a lot of studying on this gallery, so it might not be as partaking for youthful youngsters.
Customs Gallery
Whereas the Customs Gallery might be not going to be probably the most attention-grabbing a part of the museum for teenagers, I nonetheless assume it’s essential to know the Immigration Museum within the context of Customs Home.
Customs Home was one in all Melbourne’s most essential Nineteenth-century public buildings. For over a century the Customs Home was the hub for Victoria’s commerce and delivery and it’s the place officers managed what – and who – may enter Victoria.
Id: Yours, mine, ours
“Id: yours, mine, ours” which explores the query of what does it imply to belong (and never belong) in Australia?
By touching private tales, fascinating objects, and multimedia shows, you’ll rethink your assumptions and see the numerous sides of id. It covers the whole lot from discovery and confusion to prejudice and understanding.
I’m additionally an exhibit inside this gallery – see when you can spot me!
On the finish of the exhibition guests are inspired to share their very own tales, affirm their identities, and have fun the variety in our neighborhood.
Pleasure
Pleasure is a large-scale short-term exhibition open till August 2025. By vibrant shows, vibrant artworks, and heartwarming tales, the museum showcases the ability of unity and variety in making a harmonious society.
My youngsters cherished the large soft-toy rabbit that guests are welcome to climb on, in addition to the colorful and interactive room stuffed with a big Pleasure Generator. I most loved the nostalgic Nineties video retailer duplicate!
Learn our overview of the Pleasure exhibition Immigration Museum.
The Tribute Backyard
If you want a breath of recent air, head outdoors to the courtyard and the northern backyard of the Immigration Museum.
There you’ll discover the spectacular Tribute Backyard; a public paintings honouring 7,000 people who’ve migrated to Victoria.
As well as, the Tribute Backyard information the names of languages and dialects spoken by the folks of the Kulin Nation as conventional homeowners of the land within the area now referred to as Victoria.
Immigration Museum Guided Excursions
In case you’re in need of time, discover Melbourne’s Immigration Museum with a guided highlights tour.
Led by pleasant guides, in 45 minutes you’ll uncover fascinating tales of migration, variety, and id. Stand up shut with private tales, interactive reveals, and historic treasures that showcase Australia’s multicultural heritage.
Basic Museum entry on the day of the tour is included within the worth of the tour ticket.
Low Sensory Periods at Immigration Museum
Whereas the Immigration Museum is mostly a quiet and relaxed house, additionally it is a location that’s fashionable with (noisy) college teams through the week.
In case you choose a quieter atmosphere, plan your go to for a low sensory session. These periods are designed to be calm and cozy, with decreased noise and lighting.
Sensory maps can be found on arrival to plan your low sensory go to and social tales supplied by the Autism-friendly museum program.
Low sensory periods happen 3-5pm on the primary Saturday of each month (besides throughout college holidays) and there’s no further cost on prime of normal museum entry.
Playbound at Immigration Museum
Designed to encourage younger minds, Playbound is a 16-day extravaganza occurring from June 29 to July 14 2024 to have fun play, nature, science, and creativeness.
On the Immigration Museum, two family-friendly actions are occurring by the winter college holidays as a part of Playbound:
- Picturing Household (Sat 13 July) – kids can share their household histories and inform their migration tales by pictures
- Pleasure Exhibition Tour (Sat 29 Jun, Sat 6 Jul, Sat 13 Jul) With skilled guides main the best way, households are invited to discover the ability of Pleasure.
FAQs for Households Visiting the Immigration Museum
What are the Immigration Museum Melbourne opening hours?
The Immigration Museum is open every day from 10 AM to five PM.
The place is the Immigration Museum situated?
The Immigration Museum is situated at 400 Flinders Avenue, Melbourne, within the historic Outdated Customs Home constructing.
Is there parking out there on the Immigration Museum?
Whereas the museum itself doesn’t have devoted parking, there are a number of safe automobile parks and avenue parking choices close by, making it straightforward to discover a spot near the museum.
How a lot does admission price?
Adults $15, Seniors $10, Youngster free, Members free, Concession free.
Are there any family-friendly amenities out there?
Sure, the museum has child change rooms, seating areas. There isn’t any café however the Museum typically has provides with surrounding cafes.
How lengthy does it take to discover the museum?
A typical go to to the museum can take about 1-2 hours.
Can we deliver our personal meals to the museum?
Households are welcome to deliver their very own snacks. There are many seating areas the place you possibly can take a break and revel in a fast chew. Meals is just not allowed inside galleries.
Is the museum accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
Sure, the Immigration Museum is absolutely accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Are there guided excursions out there?
Sure, the museum provides guided excursions that present deeper insights into the reveals and the historical past of immigration to Melbourne.
Go to Melbourne Museum’s finest exhibitions
Uncover Pleasure at Immigration Museum
Have enjoyable with Playbound these winter college holidays