Melbourne Museum
Natural & cultural history
Melbourne’s eponymous museum recounts the long, action-packed backstory of Victoria and its capital city, from prehistoric times to the present. Explore indigenous Australian traditions, identity and artefacts at the museum’s Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and delve into Melbourne’s rich history in the Melbourne Gallery.
The museum’s extensive natural history collection includes the world’s most complete and well-preserved Triceratops fossil, while its soaring Forest Gallery cleverly recreates the layers of a Victorian mountain landscape. The complex also houses an IMAX cinema, screening Hollywood blockbusters, the odd cult classic and science documentaries.
Directly opposite the museum lie the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. Built for the 1880 International Exhibition and inspired by Florence’s Renaissance cathedral, the building hosted the opening of Australia’s federal parliament in 1901. The Royal Exhibition Building is usually only open for special events. Among them is December’s three-day Big Design Market, which showcases local designers and artisans.