The National Museum of Australia has launched two new galleries following a $34 million redevelopment. 

In its biggest redevelopment since opening to the public in 2001, the Museum has launched the Great Southern Land environmental gallery and the children’s Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre.

The Great Southern Land gallery was designed by the renowned New York-based Local Projects, best known for their acclaimed work on the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York.

The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is designed to be a fun, immersive play space designed and curated for children aged 0–6, their families and carers.

Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke has welcomed the redevelopment. 

“I’m thrilled to see these galleries open today, which showcase our unique environment and natural history,” Mr Burke said.

“I’m particularly excited about the role they will play in showcasing the connection First Nations people have to Country.

“I’m confident that audiences of all ages will walk away feeling educated and inspired by the diverse cultural experiences on offer.”

National Museum Director, Dr Mathew Trinca, says the two new galleries represent a major new offering to the Australia public.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of the National Museum, and I am thrilled to see the years of hard work and planning come to fruition in the incredible Great Southern Land environmental gallery and the remarkable Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre,” Dr Trinca said.

‘The National Museum is celebrating more than 20 years of engagement with the Australian public and these new developments will see it go from strength to strength in the decades ahead.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tim and Gina Fairfax, and all the experts who supported and worked on both galleries for many years, for their generous guidance and expertise.”

The Great Southern Land gallery explores the fundamental relationship between Australians and the land, incorporating the stories of the First Peoples who have lived on the continent for at least 65,000 years and the stories of all those who followed.

The Great Southern Land gallery explores the vast and complex Australian continent, its ancient origins, geological features, unique species, natural forces, and the part humans play in the ecosystem. It features interactive and immersive digital experiences relating to Australia’s unique environment and natural history.

The gallery features more than 2,000 objects, and multi-sensory experiences show how the continent has changed over time and how those changes could guide the nation through future challenges.

The Discovery Centre invites children to explore Australia’s iconic animals and stories, including kangaroos and bunyips, an early explorer’s cat, and social media star Chris the sheep.

Australian philanthropists Tim and Gina Fairfax supported the development of the new dedicated children’s play and education space and say they are delighted to see the new Discovery Centre open to the public.

“This new centre was designed to engage children with Australian stories and the work of the Museum. It provides interactive educational play onsite, and facilities to reach regional and remote communities,” they said in a joint statement.