Ever wondered where museums hoard their antiquities and wonders that are not currently on exhibition? Have you ever dreamed about exploring these collections? Thanks to a collaboration between the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), Australian Museum (AM) and Sydney Living Museums, Sydneysiders can now answer this question with the opening of Museums Discovery Centre (MDC) on 17 September, 2016.
It is said that the Museums Discovery Centre has millions of pieces catalogued and awaiting your discovery. Some are on display, others are in “deep” store (you can book in to have a go at looking at this on a special tour). The site features six “store” permanent exhibitions which each boast a plethora of treasures.
Store 1 features pieces from the world’s designers. It is here that you can take a closer look at chairs, vases, platters, bowls, necklaces, shell work, baskets, silverware, jugs, figurines, teapots and coffee services from different eras. My kids found the wall of chairs particularly interesting.
Store 2 will take you through an exploration of innovative technologies. You will also spot telephones, cameras, sewing machines, clocks, heaters, light bulbs, radios, televisions, typewriters, record players, and plastics.
Store 3 is all about transportation. Our favourite piece was the old caravan which I would love for my backyard. It is amazing. There is also a cable car, a bevy of Australian cars, bicycles, a steam locomotive, a yacht, a fire engine and an array of aircraft. You’ll also spot a gigantic totem pole and mosaic which seem out of place (which they are). This room was the only spot where the two pieces could stand.
Store 4 is an eclectic mix of objects and collections which are loosely collated together as they have been utilised by scientists either in the field or the lab. The store features insects, butterflies, birds and animals; fossils, gemstones, mineral and oil samples alongside scientific specimens, plant models, scientific instruments for measuring, calculating, observing, recording, experimenting and mapping, as well as equipment used by Antarctic explorers.
Store 5 is dedicated to the mundane, namely domestic appliances. Here you will find a collection of fridges, stoves, washing machines and lawn mowers plus televisions, toilets and toys. I think it was the first time we had the chance to look at the transformation of the lawn mower over the years. It’s actually a very interesting room.
Store 6 looks at architectual elements. The rooms feature ornate carved timber pieces, stained glass windows, columns, mouldings, ceiling panels and other building remnants such as chimney pots. It doesn’t sound particularly interesting but the kids couldn’t stop inspecting the architectural models.
Interested in visiting the Museums Discovery Centre? It will be open Monday to Friday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm, last entry at 4.00 pm. Unfortunately, it will not be open on weekends or school holidays except for special programs and events. Children will continue to be FREE of charge from Monday onwards with adults $10.00 (unless you are a member). Head to the Museums Discovery Centre website for full details.
Just on a side note, one of my lifelong Bucket List dreams is to explore the Vatican libraries. Imagine if you could do that for $10.00!.
Fantastic !! I’m linking to this post in my What’s On In School Holidays post.
🙂