Soon after the Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis was directed to design a dedicated Museum building, which was completed in 1849.The building finally opened to the public in 1857 on its present site at the corner of College and William Streets.Initially ‘collectors’ (who were often taxidermists) gathered collection items solely for display purposes, since the colony lacked trained naturalists to describe and study natural history specimens. For a treat, why not book The Ultimate Museum Experience with a personalised tour, a meal and refreshments overlooking Lake Burley Griffin and more!
Learn more about Australia’s first museum.Find out our staff recommendations to read in isolation, and learn the story of the Australian Museum.In 1827, Governor Darling on the recommendation of Macleay, allocated £200 to the establishment and running of a museum, the Colonial Museum, which was subsequently renamed the Australian Museum in June 1836. With a handsome new sandstone building on William Street next to Hyde Park, the Australian Museum was the place to be seen in 1850s Sydney.Throughout the 1860s the Australian Museum was led by its formidable, but ill-fated German born curator — Gerard Krefft.Edward Pierson Ramsay was only in his thirties when he became the first Australian-born curator of the AM on 22 September, 1874.When entering the recently refurbished Australian Museum in 1910, even the seasoned visitor might have stopped in their tracks.On his recruitment application for war service in 1918 the only address that 32 year-old Allan McCulloch cited was the 'Australian Museum'.Who would have thought that superannuation could cause so much angst? This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. In 1829 William Holmes was appointed the first custodian of the fledgling collection, then located in the old post office building in Macquarie Place. Please Note: As a precaution to help mitigate the risk posed by the COVID-19, we have temporarily ceased all public program activities including tours and school visits. Opened in 1981, the High Commission takes the form of a Haus Tambaran or Spirit House.
Initially known as the Sydney Museum or Colonial Museum, the institution was formally named the Australian Museum in 1836.
Chifley's Bar & Grill, a modern Australian steakhouse, located within the historic Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, is named after the 16th Prime Minister of Australia Ben