Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
The Tutankhamun exhibition comes to Australia for the first time. Revel in the splendour of Ancient Egypt as you view a dazzling array of possessions unearthed from the boy king’s tomb. See Tutankhamun’s golden canopic coffinette and the crown found on his head when the tomb was discovered. Learn about the extraordinary discovery of the tomb and the belief and burial processes of ancient Egypt. View results from the latest scientific testing conducted on Tutankhamun’s mummy and what it is telling researchers about his life and death. The exhibition has drawn over seven million visitors in the United States and London in the past five years.
Tickets now on sale. To guarantee a ticket, you must pre-book. Visit kingtutmelbourne.com.au to buy your tickets.
Cost: Adult $29.50–$35.00, Concession $26.50–$32.00, Child $17.50–$19.50. Additional transaction fees apply.
Date: Opens 8 April
Autumn School Holiday – Mysteries of the Nile
Go back in time to Ancient Egypt and explore one of history’s most extraordinary civilisations at Melbourne Museum these autumn school holidays. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Ancient Egypt and discover the mysteries of the Nile with dress-ups and activities for all ages in Melbourne Museum’s special family activity room. What do you think about when you imagine Ancient Egypt? Create your own Egyptian scene on a postcard which you can either take home or post to a friend or family member.
Date: Saturday 9 April to Tuesday 26 April (11am-3pm)
Top Designs 2011
The Creepy Spooksville pinball machine, a conversation seat, a coat inspired by a babushka doll, and the graphic design for the flagship vehicle of Oatomobile porridge are just some of the outstanding works featured in Top Designs 2011. In its 11th year at Melbourne Museum, Top Designs showcases the works of some of Victoria’s most exceptional emerging designers. Featuring 122 works by 108 students from government, Catholic and independent schools across Victoria, the exhibition includes everything from furniture and fashion to graphic design and photography.
Free entry for students
Date: 26 March to 26 July
Leadbeater’s Possum
Rarely seen and once thought to be extinct, Victorian State faunal emblem the Leadbeater’s Possum is now on display at Melbourne Museum. Named after Museum Victoria’s first taxidermist, John Leadbeater – who prepared the first specimen in 1867 – the tiny, Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) is a nocturnal marsupial that was thought to be extinct for the first half of the 20th Century. 2011 is the 50th anniversary of the Leadbeater’s rediscovery near Marysville in 1961.
Date: Until 13 April 2011
Mulana: Spirit
Meaning ‘spirit’ in Yorta-Yorta language, Mulana is an exhibition featuring a series of works by Victorian Aboriginal artist Megan Cadd that revolve around key events in her life over the last few years. The impact of losing her only Aboriginal grandmother, coming into contact with an emu feather skirt from the 1800’s, her studies as a spiritual based counsellor, trips back to Yorta-Yorta land and experiences with her family and the Melbourne Aboriginal community are reflected in works that explore the notion of Megan claiming back her spirit while living a colonised life. Featuring installations, paintings and prints, Megan’s work in this exhibition is contemporary while paying respect to her ancestors, family, community and culture.
Date: Until 10 April 2011
Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton. Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm. Admission: Adult $8, children and concession FREE. For further details phone 13 11 02 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum