What's on: Indigenous Australians Exhibition

The history, culture and political struggles of Indigenous Australians.

Event Type:

Everyday event

Time:

09.30 AM to 05.00 PM

Location:

Level G, Indigenous Australians Exhibition

Admission:

Free after admission

Showcasing pieces from the Australian Museum's 40,000 piece collection, and featuring contemporary audio-visual storytelling and personal narratives, this exhibition captures the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture from the Dreaming to the present day.

It's a fascinating look at the history, culture and political struggles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - the oldest living culture in the world.

This popular exhibition places a strong emphasis on the strength of Indigenous cultures and their connection to the land. The experience is divided into six themes: spirituality, cultural heritage, archaeology, family, land and social justice. It demonstrates how Australia's Indigenous cultures have survived for so long by adapting over time - despite the impact of more than two hundred years of European colonisation.

Things to do

• Pull up a stump in a reconstructed cave and listen to the Dreaming stories about 'Hairy Man' and 'the Bunyip', narrated by Indigenous Australians.
• Take a seat in a pew at the bush chapel and learn about the links between Aboriginal spirituality and Christianity.
• Listen and read first-hand accounts of what it means to be an Indigenous Australian.
• Enter the Stolen Generations maze, created by Indigenous Australian Kevin Butler, who was removed from his family at two weeks of age by the Aboriginal Protection Board and adopted by a non-Aboriginal family.
• Admire the impressive contemporary Indigenous art collection.
• Snuggle into a cushion with the kids and read an Indigenous story book.
• See a wide selection of Indigenous Australian cultural artefacts up close including boomerangs, didgeridoos, baskets and ceremonial pieces. There are also sophisticated tools such as a kangaroo tooth drill used for making holes in shells for necklaces and holes in spear throwers.
• Grasp an understanding of the struggles faced by Aboriginal people today and in the past and the steps that have been taken to move forward.
• Browse through the Museum Shop on your way out and pick up an Indigenous Australian memento before you leave. You'll also find gifts about the natural world including books, toys and games, and the Museum's official souvenir guidebook. Great for local and international tourists, or as a treat for the family or yourself.

Touch Table Alert!

Look out for the special touch table in this exhibition, it features special pieces from our collection that both little and big kids are encouraged to touch, feel and examine at close range. Chat with trained staff and catch up on the Museum's latest research work.

Last Updated: 10 May 2012

Tags Indigenous Australians, Australian Aborigines, Australian Aborigines of today, Aboriginal exhibition, Aboriginal artefacts, Australian Aboriginal people, Torres Strait Islanders, things to do in Sydney, Sydney events, Sydney exhibitions, permanent,