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6 Must-See Museums in Melbourne and How to Visit


Fountains outside a grand Melbourne museum
Hi, I'm Theodora!

A freelance writer and recovering nomad, Theodora divides her time between Britain and Bali. With bylines including CNN, BBC, the Guardian, Discover, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic Traveler, she’s working on a book, still blogs once in a while at EscapeArtistes.com, and spends far too much time on Twitter.

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Hi, I'm Theodora!

A freelance writer and recovering nomad, Theodora divides her time between Britain and Bali. With bylines including CNN, BBC, the Guardian, Discover, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic Traveler, she’s working on a book, still blogs once in a while at EscapeArtistes.com, and spends far too much time on Twitter.

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Australia’s second city, Melbourne is best-known for coffee, food, and road trips. But with more than 150 years of museum history, there’s plenty for culture vultures—and families—to love. From sports to science, from trick art to prisons, here are some top museum picks.

National Sports Museum

The stadium exterior of the National Sports Museum in Melbourne.
The National Sports Museum is popular. | Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock

For all things sports.

Nestled inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s No. 1 sporting museum pays tribute to legends in cricket, sprinting, Australian-rules football, and more. Besides films, holograms, and memorabilia, there’s an interactive section where kids—and kidults—can test their sporting skills.

Old Melbourne Gaol

The walkways of Old Melbourne Gaol in the city.
Old Melbourne Gaol is a haunting visit. | Photo Credit: matiascausa / Shutterstock

For criminal history and possible ghosts.

First built in 1841, this eerie structure with its cramped cells saw 133 prisoners go to their deaths before it closed in 1924. Learn about famous criminals such as Ned Kelly and the museum’s dark colonial past, or join a night tour to brave its many ghosts.

Visit Old Melbourne Gaol

ArtVo Immersive Gallery Museum

Friends enjoy the fun murals at the ArtVo Immersive Gallery Museum in Melbourne.
ArtVo Immersive Gallery Museum is a trippy one. | Photo Credit: ArtVo Immersive Gallery Museum / Tripadvsor

For selfies galore.

The 3D trick-art phenomenon has taken Asia by storm. Join the fun at this pioneering gallery-museum and pose for epic selfies in your choice of 11 themed zones.

Scienceworks

Visitors enjoy the exhibits inside Scienceworks in Melbourne.
A look inside Scienceworks. | Photo Credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock

For immersive kid-friendly fun.

Kids will love this interactive science and technology museum, suitable for preschoolers and up. Highlights include a planetarium, plenty of levers to tug and buttons to press, and the Lightning Room, with a Tesla coil.

Visit Scienceworks

Melbourne Museum

A display of dinosaur skeletons inside the Melbourne Museum in Australia.
Dinosaurs at Melbourne Museum. | Photo Credit: Danny Ye / Shutterstock

For dinosaurs, Aboriginal culture, and more.

Dedicated to Victoria state’s natural and cultural history, the Melbourne Museum traces its story back to 1854. The modern building showcases everything from dinosaurs to Aboriginal culture, with an IMAX cinema, too.

Visit Melbourne Museum

Immigration Museum

Grand pillars outside the Immigration Museum in Melbourne.
The museum at twilight. | Photo Credit: Catrin Haze / Shutterstock

For inspiring immigrant stories.

Set in Melbourne’s Old Customs House, the Immigration Museum tells the stories of some of the millions who immigrated to Australia. An ever-changing array of exhibitions covers topics as diverse as Ramadan and tattoos.

Visit Immigration Museum

Things to do in Melbourne

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See all Melbourne tours
619 tours & tickets
Things to do in Melbourne
See all things to do in Melbourne
Things to Do During the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
Things To Do During the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival