Discovering the rich history, culture and social constitution of Australia remains a key tourist activity and a visit to some of the country’s most famous museums will help you do that. Read on to know more.
National Museum of Australia, Canberra
Established in 1980, National Museum of Australia is one of the country’s most well known museums. Preserving a major chunk of the native indigenous past of the nation, it is home to a wide range of collectables and valuables that explore the key issues, people and events that have shaped the country. Postcards, public records, pictures, chronometers, Gouache paintings, placards, drawings and portraits are among the museum’s most famous exhibits. Lectures and interactive sessions are held regularly here.
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Featuring over 166,000 beautiful works of arts, National Gallery of Australia is the largest art gallery in the country. Established in 1967, this beautiful complex is home to the widest collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and artworks by prominent artists. Mount Wellington and Hobart Town from Kangaroo Point by John Glover, Afterglow by Fredrick McCubbin, Interior in Yellow by Grace Cossington Smith, The Red Lady by William Dobell and Boy with Cat by John Perceval are few of the well-known masterpieces put on display here.
Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney
Established in 1991, Australian National Maritime Museum is yet another terrific attraction that’s loved by the visitors. It is famed for its splendid array of exhibits like ships, vessels and maritime equipment. HM Bark Endeavour Replica, the destroyer HMAS Vampire, and the submarine HMAS Onslow are the three popular vessels displayed at the wharves outside the complex.
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Housing an incredible collection of artworks and paintings, Art Gallery of New South Wales is the oldest and one of the most visited art museums in the country. Established in 1861, it features works of prominent artists including Bernini, Picasso, Manet, Canaletto, Constable, Correggio, Degas, Gainsborough, Gentileschi, El Greco, Memling, Modigliani, Ribera and Rodin. The Man of Sorrows in the arms of the Virgin by Hans Memling, Doge Pietro Loredano by Jacopo Tintoretto and An officer of the 4th Regiment of Foot by Thomas Gainsborough are among the top paintings displayed here.
Museum and Art Gallery of the North Territory, Darwin
Founded in 1981, Museum of Art Galley of the North Territory remains one of the country’s most famous museums. It is renowned for its collection of over 3000 works of art and around 1.2 million natural history specimens. Indigenous artworks, scared objects, animal fossils, mineral specimens, paleontological items, rock art and paintings are all on display here. A giant 5-meter long crocodile named Sweetheart is a major highlight of the museum.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney
Located on the edge of the famous Sydney Harbour, Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most beautiful art museums in the country. Established in 1991, it is home to over 4000 works of prominent artists such as Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Simryn Gill and Denise Green. Inceptor Surf Sequence and The Price is Right are two of the most beautiful paintings displayed here.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart
Established in 1843, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is the second-oldest museum in the country. Featuring the broadest collection of historic goods, artistic and scientific items, this place is well-known attraction among people of every age group. Decorative items, photographs, research documents, pictures, sculptures, and specimens of flora and fauna are displayed at the museum.
South Australian Museum, Adelaide
Home to an interesting collection of natural and cultural artefacts, South Australian Museum is among the most visited museums in Australia. Established in 1856, it displays skeletons of birds, fishes, mammals, marine invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and terrestrial invertebrates. Besides the exhibitions, there’s a discovery centre and mobile museum within the complex.