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{{Short description|Public state museum in Sydney, Australia}}{{about|the state museum in Sydney|the national museum in Canberra|National Museum of Australia}}{{Use Australian English|date=September 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox museum
| name                = Australian Museum
| logo                = Australian museum logo.png 
| image               = Australian Museum, Sydney-William Street view.jpg
| image_size          = 270px
| caption             = The [[William Street, Sydney|William Street]] exterior and Crystal Hall entry to the Australian Museum in 2016
| alt                 =
| map_type            = Australia Sydney central
| map_caption         = Location within [[Sydney central business district]]
| map_size            = 270px
| former_name         = {{unbulleted list|Colonial Museum;|Sydney Museum}}
| established         = {{nowrap|{{Start date and age|1827|df=y}}}}
| location            = 1 [[William Street, Sydney|William Street]], [[Sydney central business district]], [[New South Wales]], Australia ({{maplink|type=shape|icon=no|zoom=16}})
| coordinates         = {{coord|-33.8743|151.2134|region:AU-NSW_type:edu|display=inline,title|format=dms}}
| type                = [[Natural history]] and [[anthropology]]
| director            = [[Kim McKay]] {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AO}}
| publictransit       = {{unbulleted list|{{nowrap|{{TFNSW icon|T}} {{rwsa|Museum}} {{small|(5 minute walk)}}}}|{{TFNSW icon|B}} William St near College Cr|{{TFNSW icon|B}} William St before College Cr}}
| car_park            = 
| website             = {{URL|https://australian.museum}}
| embedded =
{{Infobox building
| architectural_style = {{bulleted list|[[Australian non-residential architectural styles#Grecian|Greek Revival]]|[[International Style (architecture)|International Style]]}} 
| start_date          = 1846
| completion_date     = 1857
| material            = [[Sydney sandstone]]
| architect           = {{bulleted list|[[Mortimer Lewis]]|[[James Barnet]]|Joseph van der Steen|Edward Farmer}}
| architecture_firm   = [[New South Wales Government Architect|New South Wales Colonial Architect]]
| embed               = yes
}}
{{Designation list
 | embed = yes
| designation1 = New South Wales State Heritage Register
| designation1_offname = Australian Museum
| designation1_type = State heritage (built)
| designation1_date = 2 April 1999
| delisted1_date = 
| designation1_partof = 
| designation1_number = 805
| designation1_free1name =  Type
| designation1_free1value = Other – Education
| designation1_free2name =  Category
| designation1_free2value = Education
| designation1_free3name = Builders
| designation1_free3value = 
}}
}}

The '''Australian Museum''', originally known as the '''Colonial Museum''' and '''Sydney Museum''', is a state public museum in [[Sydney]], New South Wales, Australia. It is operated and funded as a cultural institution by the state government of [[New South Wales]].

With its predecessor originated in 1827, the museum is the oldest [[natural history museum]] in Australia and the fifth oldest natural history museum in the world. It was first conceived and developed along the contemporary European model of an encyclopedic warehouse of cultural and natural history, and features collections of [[vertebrate]] and [[invertebrate]] [[zoology]], as well as [[mineralogy]], [[palaeontology]] and [[anthropology]]. The scientific stature of the museum was established under the curatorship of scientist [[Gerard Krefft]] in the 1860s.

Apart from permanent displays in its galleries, permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum also undertakes research and is involved in community programs. Since 1973 it has operated the [[Lizard Island Research Station]] on the [[Great Barrier Reef]], studying the ecology of coral reefs and the effects of [[climate change]]. The Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), established in 2013, is the central hub for its researchers in Sydney. {{as of|2024}} the CEO and executive director is [[Kim McKay]] {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AO}}, who was the first woman to be appointed to the position in 2014.
[[File:Australian Museum - Joy of Museums - External.jpg|Main facade of the museum in [[College Street, Sydney|College Street]]|thumb]]

==History==
===Establishment===
The establishment of a museum had first been planned in 1821<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Thomsett|first1=Susan|title=A History of the Pacific Collections in the Australian Museum, Sydney|journal=Pacific Arts|date=January 1993|volume=7|issue=7|pages=12–19|jstor=23409019}}</ref> by the Philosophical Society of Australasia, and although specimens were collected, the Society folded in 1822. An [[entomologist]] and fellow of the [[Linnean Society of London]], [[Alexander Macleay]], arrived in 1826. After being appointed New South Wales [[Chief Secretary of New South Wales|Colonial Secretary]], he began lobbying for a museum.

The museum was founded in 1827 by [[Earl Bathurst]], then the [[Secretary of State for the Colonies]], who wrote to the governor of [[New South Wales]] of his intention to found a public museum and who provided {{Australian pound|200}} yearly towards its upkeep.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian.museum/Bathursts-Letter|title=Bathurst's Letter|last=Watson|first=F.|date=15 May 2012|work=[[Historical Records of Australia]], Series I, Vol.13|publisher=Australian Museum|pages=210|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-date=15 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215031158/https://australian.museum/about/history/bathursts-letter/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Finney>{{cite web|url=https://australian.museum/about/history/|title=A short history of the Australian Museum|last=Finney|first=Vanessa|date=30 May 2012|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=13 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718224809/http://australian.museum/about/history|archive-date=18 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Its foundation in 1827 makes the museum the oldest natural history museum in the country,<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Australian Museum |title=A Short History of the Australian Museum |url=http://australian.museum/A-short-history-of-the-Australian-Museum |access-date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=15 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215031157/https://australian.museum/about/history/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=nswshr-805-805-1>Design 5, 2016, p. 1</ref><ref name=dictsyd>{{cite web |title=Australian Museum |website=[[The Dictionary of Sydney]]  |url=https://dictionaryofsydney.org/organisation/australian_museum |access-date=12 November 2024}}</ref> the fifth oldest in the world.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Meacham|first=Steve|date=27 November 2020|title=Dinosaurs to the rescue as new life awakens for an old museum|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/dinosaurs-to-the-rescue-as-new-life-awakens-for-an-old-museum-20201124-p56hjl.html|access-date=29 December 2020|archive-date=29 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229115847/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/dinosaurs-to-the-rescue-as-new-life-awakens-for-an-old-museum-20201124-p56hjl.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was first conceived and developed along the contemporary European model of an encyclopedic warehouse of cultural and natural history, and features collections of [[vertebrate]] and [[invertebrate]] [[zoology]], as well as [[mineralogy]], [[palaeontology]] and [[anthropology]]. In the museum's early years, collecting was its main priority, and specimens were commonly traded with British and other European institutions.<ref name=finney2023>Finney, Vanessa (2023). [https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/31758 "Putting Nature in its Place: The Australian Museum, 1826 to 1890"] Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Sydney.]</ref>

In 1832{{clarify|date=December 2018}} [[George Bennett (naturalist)|George Bennett]], curator of the Australian Museum, explained the role of the museum: 
{{blockquote|"Here, in a public museum, the remains of the arts, etc., as existing among them, may be preserved as lasting memorials of the former races inhabiting the lands, when they have ceased to exist."|[[George Bennett (naturalist)|George Bennett]], Curator, 1835{{spaced endash}}1841.}}
From a "beautiful Collection of Australian curiosities", the Museum has grown to an internationally recognised collection of over 21 million cultural and scientific objects. The Museum plays a leading role in taxonomic and systematic research, and at its [[Lizard Island Research Station|research station at Lizard Island]] conducts significant research on [[coral reef]] ecology. Through exhibitions and other public programs the Australian Museum continues to inform and amaze generations of visitors about the unique flora, fauna and cultures of Australia and the Pacific.<ref name="nswshr-805-805-3">Hammond, 2009, 1</ref><ref name=nswshr-805/>

===Administration===
The first custodian of the museum was William Holmes, appointed on 16 June 1829 and holding the position until 1835. In August 1831, Holmes accidentally shot himself while collecting specimens at [[Moreton Bay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southpacifictaxidermy.com/A_Birth_Of_A_Museum|title=A Birth of a Museum|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116094045/http://www.southpacifictaxidermy.com/A_Birth_Of_A_Museum|archive-date=16 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The museum was originally known as the Colonial Museum or Sydney Museum.<ref name=rename/> It was administered directly by the colonial government until June 1836, until the establishment of a Committee of Superintendence of the Australian Museum and Botanical Garden. Sub-committees were established for each institution. Members of these committees were generally the leading members of the political and scientific classes of Sydney; and scions of the Macleay served until 1853, at which point the committee was abolished. In that year, the government enacted the ''Australian Museum Act'', thereby [[incorporation (business)|incorporating]] it and establishing a [[board of trustees]] consisting of 24 members. [[William Sharp Macleay]], the former committee chairman, continued to serve as the chairman of this committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian.museum/about/history/the-museums-early-days/|title=The Museum's Early Days|last=Docker|first=Rose|date=15 May 2012|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715163510/https://australian.museum/about/history/the-museums-early-days/|url-status=live}}</ref> The museum was renamed in June 1836 by a sub-committee meeting, when it was resolved during an argument that it should be renamed the "Australian Museum".<ref name=rename>{{cite web|url=https://records-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=ORGANISATIONS1000230&context=L&vid=61SRA&lang=en_US&search_scope=Everything&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=default_tab&query=any,contains,Colonial%20Museum%20&offset=0|title=Colonial Museum (1827–1834) / Australian Museum (1834– ), NSW Government State Records|access-date=24 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024090305/https://records-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=ORGANISATIONS1000230&context=L&vid=61SRA&lang=en_US&search_scope=Everything&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=default_tab&query=any,contains,Colonial%20Museum%20&offset=0|archive-date=24 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The scientific stature of the museum was established under the curatorship of [[Gerard Krefft]] (1861-1874), himself a published scientist.<ref name=finney2023/>

===20th century===
After a run of field collecting activities by the scientific staff in the 1880s and 1890s, field work ceased until after the [[World War I|First World War]]. In the 1920s, new expeditions were launched to [[New Guinea]], the [[Kermadec Islands]] and Santa Cruz in the [[Solomon Islands]], as well as to many parts of Australia, including the [[Capricorn Islands]] off the coast of Queensland.<ref name=Strahan>Strahan, 1979.</ref>{{rp|page=137}}

During the 19th century, galleries had mainly included large display cases overly filled with specimens and artefacts. During the 1920s, museum displays grew to include [[diorama]]s showing habitat groups, but otherwise the Museum was largely unchanged during the period beginning with the curatorship of Robert Etheridge Jr (1895–1919), until the appointment of John Evans in 1954, when under his direction, additional buildings were built, several galleries were overhauled, and a new Exhibitions department was created. The size of the education staff was also radically increased. By the end of the 1950s, all of the galleries had been completely overhauled.

The museum's growth in the field of [[scientific research]] continued with a new department of [[environmental science|environmental studies]], created in 1968<ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian.museum/Curators-and-Directors-of-the-Australian-Museum|title=Curators and Directors of the Australian Museum|date=16 November 2009|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=27 October 2012}}</ref> by director [[Frank Talbot]]. Research on the [[Great Barrier Reef]] began in 1965, with the [[One Tree Island Research Station]] established at the southern end(now operated by the [[University of Sydney]]).<ref name=smhobit>{{cite web |title=Professor Frank Talbot marine biologist obituary |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=17 October 2024 |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/marine-biologist-raised-alarm-bells-over-climate-impact-on-coral-reefs-20241017-p5kj1z.html |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref> (around 1965<ref>{{cite web |title=One Tree Island |website=The University of Sydney |date=21 June 2023 |url=https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/our-research/research-facilities/one-tree-island.html |access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>  The museum support society, The Australian Museum Society (TAMS), now known as Australian Museum Members) was formed in 1972, and in 1973 the [[Lizard Island Research Station]] (LIRS), was established near [[Cairns, Queensland|Cairns]], both under the leadership of Talbot.<ref name=amobit>{{cite web |title=Vale Professor Frank Talbot AM |website=The Australian Museum |date=16 October 2024 |url=https://australian.museum/blog/at-the-museum/vale-frank-talbot/ |access-date=12 November 2024}}</ref>

The Australian Museum Train, an early outreach project, was officially launched on 8 March 1978. The train was described as "a wonderful new concept of the travelling circus! The only difference is that the travelling Museum Train will bring school children and the people of NSW into contact with the wonders of nature, evolution and Wildlife."{{Citation needed|date=August 2013}} The two-carriage train was renovated and refurbished at [[Eveleigh Carriage Workshops]], and fitted out with exhibits by the Australian Museum at a cost of about $100,000. One carriage displayed the evolution of the earth, animals and man. The second carriage was a lecture and visual display area.<ref>''Network'', published by the Railways of Australia Committee, May 1978, p.31.</ref> The train ceased operations in December 1988 but the museum's outreach work in regional communities continues.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

In 1991, the museum established a commercial consulting and project management group, the Australian Museum Business Services (AMBS), now known as Australian Museum Consulting.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} In 1995, the museum established new research centres in [[conservation biology|conservation]], [[biodiversity]], [[evolution|evolutionary research]], [[geodiversity]] and "People and Places". These research centres have now been incorporated into the museum's natural science collection programs.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} In 1998, the djamu gallery opened at [[Customs House, Sydney|Customs House]], [[Circular Quay]], the first major new venue for the museum beyond College Street site. A series of exhibitions on Indigenous culture were displayed until the gallery closed at the end of 2000.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

===21st century===
In 2001, two rural associate museums were established, [[The Age of Fishes Museum]] in [[Canowindra]] and the [[Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum]] in [[Bathurst, New South Wales|Bathurst]] which includes the mineral and dinosaur Somerville Collection donated by Warren Somerville.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

In 2002, [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (New South Wales)|ICAC]] launched [[Operation Savoy]] to investigate thefts of the zoological collections by a museum employee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/sep/25/australia.davidfickling|title=Pest controller stole museum specimens|last=Fickling|first=David|date=25 September 2003|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=30 May 2019|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509045845/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/sep/25/australia.davidfickling|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, the museum launched its first [[Mobile App]] – "DangerOZ"<ref>{{cite web|title=DangerOz App|url=http://www.australian.museum/DangerOz-App/|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=29 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218194030/http://australian.museum/DangerOz-App|archive-date=18 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> – about Australia's most dangerous animals.

In 2014, [[Kim McKay]] {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AO}} was appointed the CEO and executive director,<ref name=new/> a position she still holds {{as of|2024|lc=yes}}.<ref name=amobit/> She is the first woman to hold the position<ref name=new>{{cite web |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/leadership/ |title=New Director |publisher=Australian Museum |date=2014 |access-date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715040021/https://australian.museum/about/organisation/leadership/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Meacham">{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/the-australian-museums-radical-transformation-20150526-gh9smx.html|title=The Australian Museum's radical transformation|last=Meacham|first=Steve|date=29 May 2015|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=31 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225182421/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/the-australian-museums-radical-transformation-20150526-gh9smx.html|archive-date=25 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, museum researchers reassigned a Tasmanian species of semi-slug from the genus ''Helicarion'' to ''Attenborougharion'', named after the museum's Lifetime Patron [[David Attenborough]], hence known as ''[[Attenborougharion rubicundus]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Love |first=Madelaine |title=Native Tasmanian snail named after Sir David Attenborough |url=https://australian.museum/blog/museullaneous/native-tasmanian-snail-named-after-sir-david-attenborough |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=The Australian Museum |date=8 February 2017 |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2023, the Museum became the subject of criticism for its decision to reword an exhibition panel by World Heritage Exhibitions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Australian Museum Statement regarding Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/ramses-text-panel-statement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065922/https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/ramses-text-panel-statement/ |archive-date=1 January 2024 |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=The Australian Museum |language=en}}</ref> replacing its word "[[Palestine (region)|Palestine]]" with "what is today known as Libya and Palestine",<ref name="palestine_criticism">{{cite news |last1=Sakkal |first1=Paul |last2=Segaert |first2=Anthony |title=Australian Museum to amend 'Palestine' display after complaints about Egypt exhibition |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-museum-to-amend-palestine-display-after-complaints-about-egypt-exhibition-20231227-p5etum.html |access-date=27 December 2023 |url-access=subscription |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=27 December 2023 |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227084749/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-museum-to-amend-palestine-display-after-complaints-about-egypt-exhibition-20231227-p5etum.html |url-status=live }}</ref> after the [[Australian Jewish Association]] had accused the museum of "inaccurate use of the word 'Palestine' in an exhibit on [[Ancient Egypt]]".<ref name="palestine_criticism" /> The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network<ref name="palestine_criticism" /> and the Australian Friends of Palestine Association issued strong criticism of "the ideological expunging of cultural identity from history".<ref name="palestine_association_criticism">{{cite web |title=Australian Museum removes Palestine from Ramses exhibition |url=https://www.afopa.com.au/blog/2023/12/26/australian-museum-removes-palestine-from-ramses-exhibition |website=Australian Friends of Palestine Association |date=26 December 2023 |access-date=27 December 2023 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227124941/https://www.afopa.com.au/blog/2023/12/26/australian-museum-removes-palestine-from-ramses-exhibition |url-status=live }}</ref> On 3 January 2024, the World Heritage Exhibitions announced that it had no plans to change the text, as there was no intention "to convey any political assertions".<ref name=":1" />

==Building==
[[File:John Rae SLNSW FL3158890.jpg|thumb|[[Hyde Park, Sydney|Hyde Park]], with the museum under construction in the distance, by [[John Rae (administrator)|John Rae]]]]
[[File:Powerhouse Museum Collection - (Australian) Museum, Sydney (pd).jpg|Barnet Wing {{circa|1870}}|thumb]]

===Move to current site===
The first location of the museum in 1827 was probably a room in the offices of the [[Colonial Secretary of New South Wales|Colonial Secretary]], although over the following thirty years it had several other locations in Sydney, until it moved into its current home in 1849.<ref name=nswshr-805/><ref name=nswshr-805-805-1/><ref name="nswshr-805-805-3"/> Its location is at the corner of [[William Street, Sydney|William Street]] and [[College Street, Sydney|College Street]] in the [[Sydney central business district]], in the [[City of Sydney]] LGA.

The [[New South Wales State Heritage Register|heritage]]-listed<ref name=nswshr-805/> building has evolved to encompass a range of different architectural styles<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.australian.museum/about/history/ |title=Museum website "Our buildings through time" |access-date=30 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831015347/https://australian.museum/about/history/ |archive-date=31 August 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{Citation | author1=Proudfoot, Helen | author2=Otto Cserhalmi & Partners | title=The Australian Museum : a conservation analysis of the complex and its site with a statement of its significance | publication-date=1984 | publisher=s.n.] | url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/15782147 | access-date=22 August 2013 | archive-date=4 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204170537/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/15782147 | url-status=live }}</ref> and when its building expanded, it was often in conjunction with an expansion of the collections.

The Long Gallery is part of the wing designed by [[New South Wales Government Architect|New South Wales Colonial Architect]] [[Mortimer Lewis]], and the earliest building on the site, {{circa|1846}}.<ref name=nswshr-805/><ref name=nswshr-805-805-1/><ref name="nswshr-805-805-3"/> This is a handsome building of [[Sydney sandstone]] in the [[Australian non-residential architectural styles#Grecian|Greek Revival]] style on the corner of College and William Streets, opposite [[Hyde Park, Sydney|Hyde Park]], designed by the Colonial Architect [[James Barnet]], and it was first opened to the public in May 1857.<ref name=Finney/>

In order to accommodate the expanding collections of the museum, Barnet was responsible for the construction of the neoclassical west wing along William Street in 1868. A third storey was added to the north Lewis wing in 1890, bringing cohesion to the building design.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jahn|first=Graham|title=Guide to Sydney Architecture (Architecture Guides)|year=2006|publisher=Watermark Press|isbn=978-0949284327|url=http://www.sydneyarchitecture.com/cbd/cbd2-005.htm|access-date=22 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307044728/http://www.sydneyarchitecture.com/cbd/cbd2-005.htm|archive-date=7 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

===20th century===
[[File:AustralianMuseum.jpg|The Barnet Wing|thumb]]
[[File:The Australian Museum along William Street.jpg|The Australian Museum along [[William Street, Sydney|William Street]]|thumb]]
[[File:AustralianMuseum gobeirne.jpg|The Australian Museum, [[College Street, Sydney|College Street]]|thumb]]
[[File:1_Australian_Museum.JPG|Museum at night|thumb]]
In 1963, the floor space of the museum almost doubled when Joseph van der Steen under the Government Architect, Edward Farmer, designed a six-story extension linked to the Lewis building for the scientific and research collections, the reference library and a public restaurant. There were also two basement floors providing workspace for scientific staff. This [[International Style (architecture)|International Style]] extension became known as the Parkes/Farmer eastern wing. In 1977, to mark the Museum's 150th anniversary, bronze lower case letters were added to the [[façade]] identifying the building as "The Australian Museum".{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

===21st century===
In 2008, a significant expansion took place on the College Street site with the addition of the new Collection and Research building which added 5000 square metres of office, laboratory and storage areas for scientists.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

In 2015, the museum's carbon-neutral glass box entryway known as the "Crystal Hall" was opened. Designed by Neeson-Murcutt, it returned the entry to William Street and provided access via a suspended walkway.<ref name="Croaker">{{cite news|last1=Croaker|first1=Trisha|title=Ancient footprints lead way into new era at the Australian Museum|url=http://www.domain.com.au/news/ancient-footprints-lead-way-into-new-era-at-the-australian-museum-20150910-gjj3x2/|access-date=10 September 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915222429/http://www.domain.com.au/news/ancient-footprints-lead-way-into-new-era-at-the-australian-museum-20150910-gjj3x2/|archive-date=15 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/the-australian-museums-radical-transformation-20150526-gh9smx.html|title = The Australian Museum's radical transformation|last = Meacham|first = Steve|date = 29 May 2015|work = The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date = 17 September 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151225182421/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/the-australian-museums-radical-transformation-20150526-gh9smx.html|archive-date = 25 December 2015|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> In December 2016, the Museum made public a $285&nbsp;million master plan proposing to greatly expand its available exhibition space, by adding a 13-storey building on the block's east, adding a large central glazed atrium space.<ref name=nswshr-805-805-4>Power, 2016</ref><ref name=nswshr-805/>

At the end of 2020, after being closed for 15 months, the 200-year-old museum reopened following a major $57.5 million upgrade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australian Museum reopens after $57.5M transformation |url=https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/australian-museum-reopens-after-$57-5m-renovation |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=Architecture & Design |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207222012/https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/australian-museum-reopens-after-$57-5m-renovation |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequent to its refurbishment, museum entry is free for the public.<ref name=":0" /> The expansion included the new Hintze Hall, shop, café, members lounge, and education rooms, along with a expanded exhibition area for temporary exhibitions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Linda |date=27 October 2020 |title=Renovated Australian Museum to reopen with a roar |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/renovated-australian-museum-to-re-open-with-a-roar-20201023-p567wu.html |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=29 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529131231/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/renovated-australian-museum-to-re-open-with-a-roar-20201023-p567wu.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Heritage listing ===
Australian Museum building and its collection was added to the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]] on 2 April 1999.<ref name=nswshr-805>{{cite NSW SHR|5045644|Australian Museum|hr=00805|fn=S92/01919/2|access-date=13 October 2018}}</ref>

The Australian Museum buildings house the first public museum inaugurated in Australia, one of Australia's oldest scientific and cultural institutions. Conceived and developed initially along the contemporary European model of an encyclopedic warehouse of cultural and natural history, the museum buildings evolved as the institution evolved, partly in response to its visiting public, to pursue and expand knowledge of the natural history of Australia and the nearby pacific region.  The museum continues to occupy the site provided, and the building constructed, as its first permanent home, commenced in 1846 and opened to the public in 1857. The extended and enlarged complex of buildings which now provide its principal exhibition, administrative and research accommodation reflect the growth of the institution and its prestige, as well as the evolving attitudes of [[Australian Government]] and society to science and research.<ref name="nswshr-805" />

The Museum's various buildings further comprise a unique aggregation of work by successive colonial and Government Architects of New South Wales, exhibiting:<ref name=nswshr-805/>
* changes in the philosophy and functional requirements of museum design
* changing stylistic influences and design approaches in architecture from the early 19th century to the present
* corresponding developments in building technology, materials and craftsmanship

Individually the various elements of the Museum complex remain significantly intact, with potential for enhancement of their cultural significance through conservation techniques, though conflicts exist between conservation of fabric and contemporary use, particularly exhibition techniques. Of special note are the exteriors and principal interiors of the three earliest wings of the complex, which despite varying degrees of alteration, remain in substantial original condition. The interlinked exhibition galleries comprise an important group of 19th and early 20th century public interests.<ref name=nswshr-805/>

Through its development, the Museum complex has assumed a prominent stature in the townscape of Sydney. With its frontage to William and College Street, the Museum commands the eastern reaches of Hyde Park and forms and extension of the principal historic civic and religious precincts adjoining the northern boundaries of the park in Macquarie and College streets. Through recent expansion the museum site includes the former grounds and two surviving buildings of the William Street National School, which, established in 1851, is one of the earlier public schools continued in educational use for almost 100 years.<ref name=nswshr-805/>

==Research==
The museum is also involved in Indigenous studies research and community programs.<ref name=finney2023/>

=== Lizard Island Research Station ===
{{further|Lizard Island Research Station}}
The [[Lizard Island Research Station]] was established in 1973 on Lizard Island, in the Great Barrier Reef. It continues to be operated by the Australian Museum.<ref name=amobit/><ref>{{cite web |title=Australian Museum Lizard Island Research Station |website=The Australian Museum |date=18 October 2024 |url=https://australian.museum/get-involved/amri/lirs/ |access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>

===Australian Museum Research Institute===
In September 2013, the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) was launched at the museum.<ref name=crossley2013/>

AMRI's purposes are:
* to provide a focal point for the many researchers working in the museum<ref name=crossley2013/> 
* to facilitate collaborations with government research agencies, universities, gardens, zoos and other museums<ref name=crossley2013/> 
* to showcase the important scientific research that is being done at the museum, focusing on [[climate change]] impacts on biodiversity; the detection and biology of pest species; understanding what constitutes and influences effective biodiversity conservation<ref name=crossley2013>{{Cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/right-at-the-museum-collections-give-clues-on-climate-change-20067|title=Right at the museum: collections give clues on climate change|last=Crossley|first=Merlin|website=[[The Conversation (website)|The Conversation]]|date=20 November 2013 |access-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419211717/https://theconversation.com/right-at-the-museum-collections-give-clues-on-climate-change-20067|archive-date=19 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=amrihome/>

It also forms and publishes a science strategy to guide science at the museum.<ref name=amrihome/>

AMRI's staff, numbering around 100, includes research scientists, collection scientists, collection officers. There are also over 130 AMRI associates, fellows, and students, and the institute hosts visiting local and international researchers regularly.<ref name=amrihome>{{cite web |title=Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) |website=The Australian Museum |url=https://australian.museum/get-involved/amri/ |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref>

==Other activities==
The museum is also involved in community programs.<ref name=finney2023/>

===FrogID===
In 2017, the museum began a citizen science project called FrogID to help conserve and document the distribution of frog populations throughout Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About FrogID |url=https://www.frogid.net.au/about-frogid |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=www.frogid.net.au |language=en |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215050802/https://www.frogid.net.au/about-frogid |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FrogID App |website=Queensland Museum |url=https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/learn-and-discover/apps/frogid-app |access-date=12 November 2024}}</ref> Each year, participants are encouraged to record frog sounds on the FrogID app. The aggregated data are then analysed to provide a snapshot of the health of frog populations across Australia.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stock |first=Petra |title=From local pond to outback dunny, Australia's biggest frog count is here – and researchers need your help |website=The Guardian |date=7 November 2024 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/08/australia-frogid-week-count-app |access-date=12 November 2024}}</ref>

In 2022, the museum's FrogID project collaborated with the Bowerbird Collective, Listening Earth, and Mervyn Street of Mangkaja Arts,<ref name="NME10dec22">{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/songs-of-disappearance-an-album-of-frog-calls-debuts-at-third-behind-paul-kelly-and-taylor-swift-on-the-aria-charts/ar-AA156wdq|title=Songs of Disappearance, an album of frog calls, debuts at third behind Paul Kelly and Taylor Swift on the ARIA charts|website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|via=[[MSN]]|date=10 December 2022|access-date=12 December 2022}}</ref>  to produce the album ''[[Australian Frog Calls]]''. The album is a compilation of frog sounds from both biologist recordings and public submissions,<ref name="NME091222">{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/an-album-of-frog-calls-hopes-to-challenge-taylor-swift-on-the-australian-charts-3358016|title=An album of frog calls hopes to challenge Taylor Swift on the Australian charts|work=[[NME]]|last=Disalvo|first=Tom|date=30 November 2022|access-date=9 December 2022}}</ref> including recordings dating back to the 1970s from FrogID's database.<ref name="NME10dec22"/> The album  was released on 2 December 2022,<ref name="NME091222"/> debuted at number 3 on the [[ARIA Charts]],<ref name=noise11>{{cite web|url=https://www.noise11.com/news/aria-albums-paul-kellys-christmas-train-is-the-no-1-album-in-australia-20221212|title=ARIA Albums: Paul Kelly's Christmas Train Is The No 1 Album in Australia|website=Noise11|date=12 December 2022|access-date=12 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="NME10dec22"/> and was nominated for [[ARIA Award for Best World Music Album]] at the [[2023 ARIA Music Awards]].<ref name="ARIA2023noms">{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/nominees-announced-for-2023-aria-awards/|title= Nominees Announced for 2023 ARIA Awards|website=[[Music Feeds]]|date=21 September 2023|access-date=24 September 2023}}</ref>

===Nights at the Museum===
The Australian Museum's "Night at the Museum" series, funded by the NSW Government, are sessions held on a weeknight evening at various times of the year. Guests and friends can explore the museum between 5pm and 9pm, free of charge. As part of this, there are also special events held at the museum, including The Talbot Oration<ref>{{cite web |title=Australia's Coral Reefs in Hot Water Despite 50 Years of Research |website=Mirage News |date=30 May 2023 |url=https://www.miragenews.com/australias-coral-reefs-in-hot-water-despite-50-1016628/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> and ''Ngalu Warrawi Marri'' (We Stand Strong),<ref>{{cite web |last=Sloan |first=Jodie |title=Explore the Australian Museum after dark with Nights at the Museum |website=The AU Review |date=17 May 2022 |url=https://www.theaureview.com/arts/explore-the-australian-museum-after-dark-with-nights-at-the-museum/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> an evening of live music, talks, workshops, and performances celebrating First Nations peoples of Australia.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cross |first=Alannah Le |title=The Australian Museum is opening late every Thursday with a pop-up bar and beats |website=Time Out Sydney |date=12 January 2022 |url=https://www.timeout.com/sydney/museums/nights-at-the-museum |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> Originally held on Thursday nights, in 2023 the nights were changed to Wednesdays.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nights at the Museum – Eastern Suburbs Mums |website=Eastern Suburbs Mums |date=9 November 2024 |url=https://easternsuburbsmums.com.au/nights-at-the-museum/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref>

====Talbot Oration====
The annual Talbot Oration was founded in honour of former director [[Frank Talbot]] in 2021, and is held in June each year. It celebrates his achievements in and commitment to [[marine research]] and [[environmental studies]], and the oration is intended "to showcase advances in the field of climate change research and environmental conservation, enabling the public to better understand how responses to the climate challenge determine our future prospects, health, and the sustainability of our natural environment".<ref name=talbot1>{{cite web |title=The Climate Cure: The inaugural Talbot Oration |website=The Australian Museum |date=20 July 2021 |url=https://australian.museum/blog/at-the-museum/talbot-oration-2021/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> [[International Conservation Services]] is a supporting partner of the event.<ref name="l230">{{cite web |title=Talbot Oration |website=International Conservation Services |date=14 November 2024 |url=https://www.icsconservation.com.au/projects/talbot-oration |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref>

The inaugural Talbot Oration took place on 3 June 2021, and was given by scientist, author, and conservationist [[Tim Flannery]], whose address was titled "The Climate Cure", reflecting the title of his new book.<ref name=talbot1/>
Subsequent orations have been given by:
* 2022: [[Anne Hoggett]], co-director of the museum's [[Lizard Island Research Station]], titled "Coral Reefs in Hot Water"<ref name="australian.museum">{{cite web |title=The Talbot Oration: Inspiring Visions for a Climate Solution |website=The Australian Museum |date=16 June 2022 |url=https://australian.museum/blog/at-the-museum/talbot-oration-2022/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=After 50 years of research Australia's coral reefs are still in hot water. The Australian Museum 2023 Talbot Oration: 'Coral Reefs in Hot Water.' Celebrating 50 years of the AM's Lizard Island Research Station |website= [[MediaNet]] News Hub archive |date=30 May 2023 |url=https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2023/05/after-50-years-of-research-australias-coral-reefs-are-still-in-hot-water-the-australian-museum-2023-talbot-oration-coral-reefs-in-hot-water-celebrating-50-years-of-the-ams-lizard-island-resear/10955/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref>
* 2023: [[Rebecca Huntley]], author and social researcher, titled "Inspiring Visions for a Climate Solution"<ref name="australian.museum"/>
* 2024: Cynthia Houniuhi, president of [[Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change]], who have taken their case to the [[International Court of Justice]], titled "Taking Climate to the World’s Highest Court"; joined by a discussion panel afterwards including [[Craig Reucassel]] and Richie Merzian, moderated by [[Narelda Jacobs]]<ref>{{cite web |title=The Talbot Oration: Taking Climate to the World's Highest Court |website=The Australian Museum |date=13 June 2024 |url=https://australian.museum/blog/at-the-museum/talbot-oration-2024/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Houniuhi |first=Cynthia |title=Taking climate to the world's highest court |website=Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre |date=4 November 2024 |url=https://devpolicy.org/taking-climate-to-the-worlds-highest-court-20241105/ |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref>

== Permanent galleries ==
[[File:Butterflies1.JPG|Butterflies|thumb]]
[[File:African Art Display.jpg|African metalwork art (2007)|thumb]]
[[File:Australian Birds.jpg|Australian bird specimens (2007)|thumb]]
[[File:Snake Skeletons.jpg|Skeletal structure of snakes and other reptiles (2007)|thumb]]
The permanent galleries accommodate a large number of display cases containing a variety of animal species, including butterflies, birds, and reptiles, as well as cultural artefacts and art.

In 2008, two permanent galleries were opened, "Dinosaurs"<ref>{{cite web|title=Dinosaur Gallery|url=https://www.australian.museum/visit/whats-on/|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=29 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505150607/https://australian.museum/visit/whats-on/|archive-date=5 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and "Surviving Australia".<ref>{{cite web|title=Surviving Australia Exhibition|url=https://australian.museum/visit/whats-on/|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=29 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819041629/http://australian.museum/visit/whats-on/|archive-date=19 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, the permanent exhibition "Garrigarrang: Sea Country" was opened, displaying objects relating to [[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Garrigarrang: Sea Country - Revealing stories of Indigenous Coastal Communities |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/garrigarrang-sea-country/ |access-date=2 January 2024 |date=21 November 2014 |website=The Australian Museum |language=en}}</ref>

When the Crystal Hall was opened as the museum's new entrance in August 2015, the former foyer, the Barnet Wing, became the permanent gallery housing "Wild Planet" – a display of over 400 animals that explores and explains [[evolution]] and the [[Tree of life (biology)|tree of life]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/australian-museums-wild-planet-exhibition-brings-dead-beasts-to-life-20150612-ghm7n6.html|title=Australian Museum's Wild Planet exhibition brings dead beasts to life|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=12 June 2015 |access-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151215161907/http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/australian-museums-wild-planet-exhibition-brings-dead-beasts-to-life-20150612-ghm7n6.html|archive-date=15 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Jurassic Lounge was established in early 2011 by the Australian Museum and non-profit company The Festivalists, a seasonal display event of [[contemporary art]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jurassic Lounge: A Case Study |url=https://australian.museum/BlogPost/Audience-Research-Blog/Jurassic-Lounge-A-Case-Study  |access-date=16 April 2019 }}{{dead link|date=August 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Combining events, live music, art, cultural displays, and new media with standard exhibition space in the museum precinct, Jurassic Lounge is a seasonal display-event held on Tuesdays for two seasons annually.<ref>
{{Cite web |url=http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/aust/53427/Jurassic_Lounge_returns_with_the_inthemix_Rave_Cave |title=Jurassic Lounge returns with the inthemix Rave Cave |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219114105/http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/aust/53427/Jurassic_Lounge_returns_with_the_inthemix_Rave_Cave |archive-date=19 February 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Jurassic lounge opened on 1 February 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Museum/jurassiclounge/about/|title=Jurassic Lounge|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420035835/https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Museum/jurassiclounge/about/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is held after-hours at the Australian Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jurassiclounge.com/about-us/ |title=ABOUT US - Jurassic Lounge |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122165705/http://www.jurassiclounge.com/about-us |archive-date=22 January 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> It allows the public to discover Sydney's newest artists, musicians and performers. 2018's event included a [[burlesque]] show, a silent disco, live painting, a photobooth, interaction with museum animals (snake and [[Phasmatodea|stick insects]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weekendnotes.com/jurassic-lounge-australian-museum/|title=Jurassic Lounge Australian Museum – Spring 2012|website=www.weekendnotes.com|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416123310/https://www.weekendnotes.com/jurassic-lounge-australian-museum/|archive-date=16 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2022, the permanent minerals gallery was opened.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1800 spectacular minerals return to the Australian Museum in new gallery |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/minerals/ |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=The Australian Museum |language=en}}</ref>

==Exhibitions==
The museum has hosted various exhibitions since 1854 to the present day, including permanent, temporary, and touring exhibitions, such as "Dinosaurs from China", "Festival of the Dreaming", "Beauty from Nature: Art of the Scott Sisters" and "Wildlife Photographer of the Year".<ref>{{cite web|title=Exhibitions Timeline|url=https://www.australian.museum/Exhibitions-Timeline|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=5 January 2024}}</ref>

Some exhibitions were directly curated by the museum and have exhibited internationally, include "Sharks"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Alex |date=21 April 2023 |title=Australian Museum's Shark Exhibit Was So Successful It's Going Global |url=https://thebrag.com/australian-museum-sharks-exhibit/ |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=The Brag |language=en-AU}}</ref> and "Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Tyrannosaur exhibition at Farmington Museum opens with some local flavor |date=2 February 2023 |url=https://www.daily-times.com/story/news/2023/02/02/tyrannosaurs-show-on-display-at-farmington-museum-through-april-26/69864654007/ |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=Daily Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Permanent===
In 2017, the permanent exhibition "200 Treasures of the Australian Museum" was reopened as part of the "Westpac Long Gallery", being Australia's first museum gallery, which was previously called the "Long Gallery".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Australian Museum Reveals The Nation's Greatest Treasures In Restored Westpac Long Gallery |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/the-australian-museum-reveals-the-nations-greatest-treasures-in-restored-westpac-long-gallery/ |access-date=2 January 2024 |date=23 November 2017 |last=Love |first=Madelaine |website=The Australian Museum |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019034431/https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/the-australian-museum-reveals-the-nations-greatest-treasures-in-restored-westpac-long-gallery/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some of the objects on display include the wooden sled used during [[Sir Douglas Mawson]]'s expedition to Antarctica, an Egyptian mummy, and a feathered cape given to Captain [[James Cook]] on his arrival to Hawaii.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2017 |title=Two hundred treasures unveiled at Australian Museum |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/australian-museum-unveils-200-treasures-exhibit/7cb766fb-eb31-4b23-bbea-41879794ead9 |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=www.9news.com.au}}</ref> The expanded gallery also contains the Birds of Australia gallery.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Birds of Australia |url=https://australian.museum/exhibition/birds-exhibition/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=The Australian Museum |language=en}}</ref>

In late 2023, "Wansolmoana" ({{lit|One Salt Ocean}}), a permanent exhibition of hundreds of [[Pacific Islander|Pacific]] cultural objects opened.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 October 2023 |last1=Hodge |first1=Hugo |last2=Voloder |first2=Dubravka |title=Dive into Wansolmoana — 'one salt ocean' — Australia's new repository of Pacific culture and history |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-28/pacific-culture-and-history-in-pacific-exhibition-gadigal-sydney/102998920 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> This replaced the interim "Pacific Spirit" gallery,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pacific Spirit |url=https://australian.museum/exhibition/pacific-spirit/ |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=The Australian Museum |language=en}}</ref><!--better source probably needed, there is a textbar on this page stating that Pacific Spirit closed to make way for Wansolmoana--> which opened in 2015 and was stated to be one of the world's biggest collections of Pacific artwork at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 April 2015 |last=Garrett |first=Jemima |title=Julie Bishop launches Pacific artwork collection |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-30/julie-bishop-opens-pacific-spirit-exhibit/6435184 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

=== Temporary ===
In 2012, an exhibition called ''Sydney Elders'' was opened. It consisted of photographs by renowned Aboriginal photographer [[Mervyn Bishop]] of a selection of local [[Aboriginal Australian elder|Elders]] who have "contributed to the important role of culture, education, health, community or social justice". The collection is accompanied by an essay written by [[Djon Mundine]], entitled "Growing Old on Eora Country". Elders whose portraits were included in the collection include [[Christine Donnelly]], founder of the [[Aboriginal Dance Theatre Redfern]]; [[Naomi Mayers]] {{post-nominals|country= AUS|OAM}}, founder of the Aboriginal Health Service; [[Sol Bellear]] {{post-nominals|country= AUS|AO}}, member and leader of many Aboriginal organisations; and singer-songwriter [[Vic Simms]]; and activists and leaders [[Dulcie Flower]] {{post-nominals|country= AUS|AM}}, [[Paul Coe]],<ref>{{cite web | title=Sydney Elders exhibition | website=The Australian Museum | date=2 June 2021 | first=Laura | last=McBride | url=https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/sydney-elders/ | access-date=16 November 2022 | archive-date=16 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116084019/https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/sydney-elders/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Lyall Munro Jnr]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Lyall Munro | website=The Australian Museum | url=https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/sydney-elders/lyall-munro/ | date=7 December 2021 | first=Laura | last=McBride | access-date=17 November 2022 | archive-date=17 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117064352/https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/sydney-elders/lyall-munro/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012–13, the museum hosted "Alexander the Great: 2000 years of treasures" which exhibited a collection of artefacts from the [[Hermitage Museum]] in [[Saint Petersburg]], Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/alexander-the-great-2000-years-of-treasures/|title=Alexander the Great: 2000 Years of Treasures|website=The Australian Museum|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329071833/https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/alexander-the-great-2000-years-of-treasures/|archive-date=29 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2014-15, the museum hosted "Aztecs", a collection of 200 artefacts from around 20 Mexican museums, being the first time an [[Aztec]]-themed exhibition was displayed in the Southern Hemisphere.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 September 2014 |last=Donegan |first=John |title=Aztec warriors descend on Sydney |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-02/aztec-warriors-descend-on-sydney/5710738 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Duff |first=Michelle |date=31 May 2013 |title=Te Papa to build Aztec temple centrepiece |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8744072/Te-Papa-to-build-Aztec-temple-centrepiece |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref><!--Note that this reference does mention the Australian Museum despite its focus on the Te Papa portion of the exhibition-->

In 2015, "Trailblazers: Australia's 50 greatest explorers" opened, honouring the work of [[Burke and Wills expedition|Bourke and Wills]], [[Nancy Bird Walton]], [[Dick Smith (entrepreneur)|Dick Smith]], [[Jessica Watson]] and [[Tim Jarvis]], among others.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

In 2021, "Unsettled", a temporary exhibition on the [[colonisation of Australia]] through Indigenous perspectives,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gripper |first=Ali |date=14 May 2021 |title=Australian Museum gears up for most important show in its history |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/why-captain-cook-is-only-a-footnote-in-australian-history-20210507-p57pud.html |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> ran from 22 May until 10 October. Including over 80 significant cultural artefacts as well as more than 100 contributions by [[Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people]] across Australia,<ref>{{cite web |title=UNSETTLED exhibition at the Australian Museum 2021 |website=Barani |date=10 October 2021 |url=https://www.sydneybarani.com.au/unsettled-exhibition-at-the-australian-museum-2021/ |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref> the exhibition was curated by Laura McBride and Mariko Smith.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McBride |first1=Laura |last2=Smith |first2=Mariko |title=The Australian Museum's Unsettled exhibition |website=The Australian Museum |date=21 May 2021 |url=https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/unsettled/ |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref>

The museum was due to hold "[[Tutankhamun]]: The Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh" in 2021, however this was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Linda |title=Sydney's blockbuster King Tut show cancelled for good |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/sydney-s-blockbuster-king-tut-show-cancelled-for-good-20210317-p57bjb.html |access-date=29 November 2023 |date=18 March 2021 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127223227/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/sydney-s-blockbuster-king-tut-show-cancelled-for-good-20210317-p57bjb.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Alexandra |title=Sydney to host largest Tutankhamun exhibition to ever leave Egypt |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/sydney-to-host-largest-tutankhamun-exhibition-to-ever-leave-egypt-20180610-p4zkm7.html |date=10 June 2018 |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216232152/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/sydney-to-host-largest-tutankhamun-exhibition-to-ever-leave-egypt-20180610-p4zkm7.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However in late 2023, the museum was the fourth in the world to open "[[Ramesses II|Ramses]] & the Gold of the Pharaohs".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nowakowski |first=Teresa |title=Why Egyptomania Is Taking Over Australia |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/blockbuster-ramses-exhibit-comes-to-sydney-as-egypt-shows-overtake-australia-180983306/ |access-date=29 November 2023 |date=21 November 2023 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125061335/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/blockbuster-ramses-exhibit-comes-to-sydney-as-egypt-shows-overtake-australia-180983306/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was announced that Ramses' coffin would also be loaned to the Australian Museum, with Sydney being the second city in the world outside of Egypt to display the artefact.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cross |first=Alannah Le |date=25 October 2023 |title=Ramses the Great's coffin confirmed to travel to Australia for exclusive Sydney exhibition |url=https://www.timeout.com/sydney/news/ramses-the-greats-coffin-confirmed-to-travel-to-australia-for-exclusive-sydney-exhibition-this-summer-102523 |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=Time Out Sydney |language=en-AU |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105034003/https://www.timeout.com/sydney/news/ramses-the-greats-coffin-confirmed-to-travel-to-australia-for-exclusive-sydney-exhibition-this-summer-102523 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Recognition==
The Australian Museum has an international reputation in the fields of [[natural history]] and [[anthropology]].<ref name=":0"/>

==Governance and funding==
The Australian Museum is a New South Wales Government organisation, under the [[Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport]]. It is a [[statutory body]], established under the ''Australian Museum Trust Act 1975'', and governed by a [[board of trustees]]. It is a not-for-profit organisation, with most of its funding coming from the state government.<ref name=ourorg2024>{{cite web |title=Our Organisation |website=The Australian Museum  |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/ |access-date=17 November 2024| archive-date=6 November 2024|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20241106054947/https://australian.museum/about/organisation/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The director and CEO, {{as of|lc=yes|November 2024}} [[Kim McKay]], oversees the day-to-day running of the museum and determines its strategic direction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Executive Leadership Team |website=The Australian Museum |date=20 September 2019 |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/leadership/ |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Organisational chart| publisher=Australian Museum |url=https://media.australian.museum/media/dd/documents/AM_OrganisationChart_061124.8876b5a.pdf |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref>

===Australian Museum Trust===
The Australian Museum Trust (AM Trust), trading as the Australian Museum, is a not-for-profit organisation, with most of its funding coming from the state government.<ref name=ourorg2024/>

In 1986, [[Joyce Clague]] became the first Aboriginal person to become a trustee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://australianmuseum.net.au/blogpost/at-the-museum/baya-ngara-read-speak-knowledge-because-of-her-we-can|title=Baya-Ngara: Read / Speak Knowledge: Because of her, we can|last=Sentance|first=Nathan|date=13 July 2018|website=Australian Museum Blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231537682 |title=Australian Museum Trust Act, 1975 |newspaper=[[Government Gazette Of The State Of New South Wales]] |issue=24 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=7 February 1986  |page=559 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

Since January 2023 and {{as of|November 2024|lc=yes}}, Brian Hartzer is president of the AM Trust, after being appointed a trustee in January 2021. Other trustees include academic and writer [[Larissa Behrendt]] and former deputy premier [[Carmel Tebbutt]].<ref name=amtrust2024>{{cite web |title=Australian Museum Trust |website=The Australian Museum |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/trust/ |access-date=17 November 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112203808/https://australian.museum/about/organisation/trust/| archive-date= 12 Nov 2024| url-status=live}}</ref>

The inaugural president was former [[Colonial Secretary of New South Wales]], [[Alexander Macleay]],(1836-1848), and other past presidents include [[Catherine Livingstone]], [[Sam Mostyn]], [[Robyn Williams]], [[Wallace Charles Wurth]], and [[Gustavus Athol Waterhouse]].<ref name="t951">{{cite web |title=AM Trust Presidents |website=The Australian Museum |date=22 December 2022 |url=https://australian.museum/about/history/people/am-trust-presidents/ |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref>

===Australian Museum Foundation===
The Australian Museum Foundation was established in the mid-2000s by Brian Sherman, a former president of the AM Trust (2001–2009),<ref>{{cite web |title=Vale Brian Sherman AM |website=The Australian Museum |date=16 September 2022 |url=https://australian.museum/blog/at-the-museum/vale-brian-sherman/ |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref> to enlarge the group of donors involved in the museum's work. The AMF is a not-for-profit organisation that exists solely to raise funds to support all types of projects across the museum.<ref name=hartzer2020/>

Brian Hartzer was chair of the AM Foundation from December 2020 until December 2022.<ref name=amtrust2024/><ref name=hartzer2020>{{cite web |title=Brian Hartzer appointed chairman of Australian Museum Foundation |website=The Australian Museum |date=3 December 2020 |url=https://australian.museum/about/organisation/media-centre/brian-hartzer-appointment/ |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref> In February 2023, David Feetham was appointed director and chair.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian Museum Foundation Directors |website=The Australian Museum |date=10 February 2023 |url=https://australian.museum/get-involved/join/foundation/foundation-directors/ |access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref>

===Past curators and directors===
The position of "curator" was renamed "director and curator" in 1918 and from, 1921 "director". In 1948, the "scientific assistants" (the scientific staff) were redesignated "curators" and "assistant curators". In 1983, during a period of reorganisation, the position of curator was renamed as "collection manager".

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Order
! Officeholder
! Position title
! {{nowrap|Start date}}
! {{nowrap|End date}}
! Term in office
! Notes
|- 
|align=center|{{dts|1}} || William Holmes || Custodian ||align=center|{{start date|1829|06|16|df=y}} ||align=center|1835 ||align=right|{{age in years|1829|1835}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|2}} || [[George Bennett (naturalist)|George Bennett]] || rowspan=6|Curator ||align=center|1835 ||align=center|1841 ||align=right|{{age in years|1835|1841}} years || First leader to catalogue the museum's collections
|-
|align=center|{{dts|3}} || [[William Branwhite Clarke|The Revd W. B. Clarke]] ||align=center|1841 ||align=center|1843 ||align=right|{{age in years|1841|1843}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|4}} || William Sheridan Wall ||align=center|1845 ||align=center|1858 ||align=right|{{age in years|1845|1858}} years || Long-time collector to the museum; wrote and illustrated ''History and Description of a New Sperm Whale'' (1851)<ref>[https://www.daao.org.au/bio/william-sheridan-wall/biography/ William Sheridan Wall] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928213040/https://www.daao.org.au/bio/william-sheridan-wall/biography/ |date=28 September 2020 }} Design and Art Australia Online</ref>
|-
|align=center|{{dts|6}} || Simon Rood Pittard ||align=center|1861 ||align=center|1861 ||align=right|{{age in years|1859|1861}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|7}} || [[Gerard Krefft]] ||align=center|1861 ||align=center|1874 ||align=right|{{age in years|1861|1874}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|8}} || {{nowrap|[[Edward Pierson Ramsay]]}} ||align=center|1874 ||align=center|1894 ||align=right|{{age in years|1874|1894}} years || Greatly increased the recruitment of scientific staff; in 1890 started the ''[[Records of the Australian Museum]]'', a publication which continues to the present<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.australian.museum/learn/collections/museum-archives-library/|title=Records of the Australian Museum|publisher=Australian Museum|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630204949/https://australian.museum/learn/collections/museum-archives-library/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|align=center|{{dts|9}} || [[Robert Etheridge, Junior]] || Director and Curator ||align=center|1895 ||align=center|1919 ||align=right|{{age in years|1895|1919}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|10}} || Charles Anderson ||rowspan=7| Director ||align=center|1921 ||align=center|1940 ||align=right|{{age in years|1921|1940}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|11}} || [[Arthur Bache Walkom]] ||align=center|1941 ||align=center|1954 ||align=right|{{age in years|1941|1954}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|12}} || {{nowrap|John William Evans}} ||align=center|1954 ||align=center|1966 ||align=right|{{age in years|1954|1966}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|13}} || [[Frank Talbot]] ||align=center|1966 ||align=center|1975 ||align=right|{{age in years|1966|1975}} years ||Doubled staff number to 150; established Dept of Environmental Studies; started research on the [[Great Barrier Reef]] and established [[Lizard Island Research Station]].<ref name=amhist>{{cite web |title=Dr Frank Hamilton Talbot, Director 1966-1975 |website=The Australian Museum |date=30 May 2022 |url=https://australian.museum/about/history/people/dr-frank-hamilton-talbot-director-1966-1975/ |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref><ref name=smhobit/><ref name=amobit/>
|-
|align=center|{{dts|14}} || Desmond Griffin ||align=center|1976 ||align=center|1998 ||align=right|{{age in years|1976|1998}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|15}} || [[Mike Archer (paleontologist)|Michael Archer]] ||align=center|1999 ||align=center|2004 ||align=right|{{age in years|1999|2004}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|16}} || [[Frank Howarth (public servant)|Frank Howarth]] ||align=center|2004 ||align=center|2014 ||align=right|{{age in years|2004|2014}} years ||
|-
|align=center|{{dts|17}} || [[Kim McKay]] {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AO}}||CEO & executive director||align=center|2014 ||align=center|''present'' ||align=right|{{age in years|2014}} years || The first woman to hold the position<ref name="new"/><ref name="Meacham"/>
|}

==See also==
{{stack|{{Portal|Museums}}}}
* [[Gerard Krefft#"The New Museum Idea"|"The New Museum Idea"]]
*[[Charles Eaton (1833 ship)#The Lewis Collection|The Lewis Collection]]
*[[List of museums in Australia]]
* [[List of Natural History articles by Gerard Krefft in The Sydney Mail]]
*[[National Museum of Australia]]
*[[Museum of Sydney]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

=== Bibliography ===
* {{cite web|author=Attraction Homepage|date=2007|title=Australian Museum|url=https://australian.museum/}}
* {{cite book|author=Chris Bennett of Evolving Picture|date=2014|title=Australian Museum Sydney: photographic survey of existing site features December 2014}}
* {{cite book|author=Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners Pty Ltd|date=2005|title=The Australian Museum, Sydney, Conservation Management Plan}}
* {{cite book|author=Cultural Resources Management|date=2008|title=The Australian Museum Sydney : archaeological investigation collections & research building}}
* {{cite book|author=((Design 5 Architects)) |date=2016|title=Long Gallery, Australian Museum – Exemption from Development Consent – upgrade and repair works}}
* {{cite book|last=Hammond|first=Gina|date=2009|title='The Curious Case of the Living Dead', in "History Council of NSW Bulletin" Autumn 2009}}
* {{cite book|author=McDonald McPhee Pty Ltd.|date=1994|title=Heritage Assessment, Barnet Wing, Australian Museum}}
* {{cite book|last=Power|first=Julie|date=2016|title='Museum's ambitious plan – exclusive: $285m proposal for a grand exhibition space'}}
* {{cite book|last=Strahan|first=Ronald|title=Rare and Curious Specimens: An Illustrated History of the Australian Museum 1827–1979|year=1979|publisher=The Australian Museum|isbn=0724015248}}
* {{cite web|author=Tourism NSW|date=2007|title=Australian Museum|url=http://www.visitnsw.com.au/Operator.aspx?ProductId=9013061|access-date=22 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070907051757/http://www.visitnsw.com.au/Operator.aspx?ProductId=9013061|archive-date=7 September 2007|url-status=dead}}

=== Attribution ===
{{NSW-SHR-CC-contains|name=Australian Museum|dno=5045644|id=805|year=2018|accessdate=13 October 2018}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Australian Museum}}
{{Wikispecies|AM|Australian Museum}}
* {{Official website|https://australian.museum/}}
* [https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/australian-museum-sydney Australian Museum at Google Cultural Institute]
* {{cite web |url=http://dictionaryofsydney.org/organisation/australian_museum |title=Australian Museum |access-date=8 October 2015 |author=Ellmoos, Laila |date=2008 |work=[[Dictionary of Sydney]]}} <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Creative Commons license|CC BY-SA]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>

{{Sydney landmarks}}
{{Sydney central business district historical attractions|state=collapsed}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Museums in Sydney]]
[[Category:Natural history museums in Australia]]
[[Category:Dinosaur museums in Australia]]
[[Category:Neoclassical architecture in Australia]]
[[Category:James Barnet buildings in Sydney]]
[[Category:New South Wales State Heritage Register sites located in the Sydney central business district]]
[[Category:Mortimer Lewis buildings]]
[[Category:1827 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Articles incorporating text from the New South Wales State Heritage Register]]
[[Category:Sandstone buildings in Australia]]
[[Category:College Street, Sydney]]