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Quick Information

ADDRESS

11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

RECOMMENDED DURATION

4 hours

Timings

09:00–17:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

100000

TICKETS

From $11.77

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

2

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Melbourne Museum’s Science and Life Gallery houses 'Stan,' one of the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons.

The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre features the 'Bunjil the Eagle' audio-visual show, celebrating Indigenous creation stories.

The Forest Gallery is a fully climate-controlled indoor ecosystem, home to live emus, tree frogs, and native Victorian flora.

Why Melbourne Museum is a must-visit

Melbourne Museum is more than just a museum—it’s a full day out. The natural history galleries wow visitors with towering dinosaur fossils and glittering minerals, while the Forest Gallery lets you wander through a living rainforest dome. Families especially love the Children’s Gallery and interactive science exhibits that spark curiosity in little ones.

The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre is consistently praised for its thoughtful curation, offering a respectful and powerful insight into Indigenous culture. For movie lovers, the on-site IMAX Melbourne shows documentaries and blockbusters on a record-breaking screen. Add in blockbuster touring exhibitions like Titanic and Fantastic Beasts, and you’ll see why the museum keeps locals and tourists coming back.

What to see at Melbourne Museum

Visitors exploring the Many Nations exhibit at Melbourne Museum.

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Explore Indigenous traditions, art, and stories.

Dinosaur skeleton exhibit at Melbourne Museum.
Tour guide leading visitors through indoor forest at Melbourne Museum.
Child observing a large crab at Melbourne Museum exhibit.
Titanic model display at the Titanic exhibition in Sydney

Highlights of Melbourne Museum

Triceratops skeleton exhibit with visitors at Melbourne Museum.
Phar Lap exhibit at Melbourne Museum with visitors observing.
Satin bowerbird building a bower with twigs in a forest setting.
Bunjilaka First Peoples exhibit entrance at Melbourne Museum with visitors walking by.
Visitors enjoying a 3D movie experience at the Intrepid Museum.
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Triceratops fossil

Meet Horridus, the world’s most complete Triceratops skeleton, with over 80% of its bones intact. This rare fossil gives an extraordinary window into the prehistoric world.

Phar Lap exhibit

See the preserved body of Phar Lap, Australia’s most beloved racehorse, whose story of triumph and tragedy still captures hearts. The exhibit includes memorabilia and insights into his legendary career.

Forest Gallery

Step into a living rainforest, complete with ferns, streams, and free-flying native birds. This enclosed ecosystem brings Victoria’s biodiversity to life in the heart of the city.

First Peoples exhibition

Explore the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre’s permanent gallery, celebrating the traditions, art, and stories of Victoria’s First Peoples. It’s a powerful showcase of resilience, history, and living culture.

IMAX theatre

Experience films and documentaries on one of the world’s largest cinema screens. From Hollywood blockbusters to 3D nature films, the scale makes every screening unforgettable.

Brief history of Melbourne Museum

Opened in 2000, Melbourne Museum was created to replace the State Museum on Swanston Street. Built in the Carlton Gardens next to the Royal Exhibition Building, the museum was designed to give Victoria’s vast collections a modern home. Today, it’s run by Museums Victoria and is a cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural scene.

Who built Melbourne Museum?

The museum was designed by acclaimed architects Denton Corker Marshall, known for their bold, modernist style. Their vision aimed to create a strikingly contemporary space that could both stand beside and contrast the historic Royal Exhibition Building next door.

Architecture of Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum entrance with modern architecture and glass facade.

Melbourne Museum is instantly recognizable with its steel-and-glass design that embraces light and space. Its layout integrates with the gardens, including the striking rainforest atrium. The contrast between the museum’s modernist structure and the ornate Royal Exhibition Building nearby makes the site unique in Melbourne’s skyline.

Additional information

  • Operated by Museums Victoria, home to the largest public collection in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • The museum is committed to sustainability and partners with universities on biodiversity and cultural research.
  • Accessibility is excellent, with ramps, lifts, and family-friendly facilities throughout.

Frequently asked questions about Melbourne Museum

When did Melbourne Museum open?

The museum opened its doors in 2000, moving from its original Swanston Street location to the beautiful Carlton Gardens precinct.

What is Melbourne Museum best known for?

It’s famous for its jaw-dropping dinosaur displays—including a life-size Triceratops—plus the immersive Forest Gallery, world-class First Peoples exhibitions, and a massive IMAX theatre.

What kinds of collections can I explore?

Expect a mix of natural history, science, and cultural treasures. From fossils and sparkling minerals to Aboriginal artifacts and interactive science exhibits, there’s something for every curious mind.

Is Melbourne Museum family-friendly?

Absolutely! The Children’s Gallery is a dedicated space for little explorers, filled with hands-on activities and kid-friendly exhibits.

How much time should I plan for my visit?

Most visitors spend around 2 to 4 hours exploring. If you want to catch an IMAX film or take your time with the galleries, allow a bit longer.

Does the museum feature natural history exhibits?

Yes, and they’re some of the most popular highlights—think giant dinosaurs, glittering gemstones, and fascinating fossils.

Can I see the Royal Exhibition Building from the museum?

Yes! The museum sits right next to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed gem, and you’ll get great views of it from the museum grounds.

More reads

Visitor observing Earth display at Our Wondrous Planet exhibit, Melbourne Museum.

About

Melbourne Museum exterior with Royal Exhibition Building dome in view.

Plan your visit

Melbourne tram passing historic buildings near Skydeck.

Getting there