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The Australian National Museum at Sydney is one of the most interesting cultural centers of Australia. Established in 1991, the museum is a venture of the Australian government, who sought to preserve the brilliant maritime feats of the country to reinstate the close tie which Australia had always had with water. The museum has set up near the Darling Harbor to narrate the island’s journey right from its discovery and colonization, to its present maritime activities. The visitors here can trace a story that begins with an indigenous community which thrived chiefly on trading fish to a nation whose submarines made daring contributions to the First World War. The exhibitions and programs undertaken by the museum all seek to highlight and cherish the continuing nautical tradition of Australia. The Museum’s Collection: The Australian National Maritime Museum houses a huge collection of artifacts that have mounted with regular exchange of items from other museums of the commonwealth government. The museum today boasts of more than 50,000 archive items centering on areas like-
- Exploration and European settlement in Australia
- Maritime technology
- Maritime archaeology
- Australian naval history
- Life of the convicts, migrants and refugees in the country
- Growth of maritime trade
- Australia’s success in water sports The exhibitions hosted by the Australian National Maritime Museum are also testimonials to the country’s naval tradition. The museum maintains permanent exhibitions as well as several temporary and traveling ones. America had gifted the museum its USA Gallery which traces the relation that had developed between the two nations over the past centuries. The main exhibitions showcase interesting displays like the remnants of a cannon used by Captain Cook in his voyage of 1770, Spirit of Australia, the world’s fastest boat that earned , Ken Warby a world record, a collection of articles used by Oscar Speck, whose kayak voyage from Germany to Australia still remains one of the most fascinating tales. The famous World War II commando boat Krait is also a prized item of the museum.
The Welcome Wall is a special tribute to the 6 million immigrants who had fleeted across the seas to settle in the island. Australia had witnessed one of the greatest migration phenomenons in history and the ones who undertook the journey to the distant land are honored in the wall for the strength with which they tamed the alien land. Programs Undertaken: The museum undertakes several programs to foster the naval tradition of Australia. The Archaeology Program is a trusted advisor of the Commonwealth authorities working on shipwrecks and underwater projects. The museum had participated in a number of such underwater excavations. The museum maintains the HMAS Vampire used formerly by the Royal Australian Navy. The visitors here can go on board to experience the lives of the then cabin crew. A harbor sailing program is organized to impart a basic knowledge on sailing, and yachting. The cruise on the luxury yacht is an experience in itself. Special events are also conducted for the children. With computer games and interactive activities like pirate games, it is a fun filled extravaganza for the kids. Library and Resource: The Australian National Maritime Museum maintains the Vaughan Evans Library which stores a good collection of books and journals related to maritime activities. The library is a short walk from the main museum. The museum remains open everyday from 9.30 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
Address: 2 Murray Street
Darling Harbour
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
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