Delve into the region’s past, present and future at Newcastle Museum.
Originally founded in 1988, in Newcastle West, as a major bicentennial project, the current state-of-the-art facility is now located in the historic Honeysuckle Railway Workshops, right in the heart of the CBD.
That means it’s close to other attractions such as Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery and Newcastle Library, while also being within walking distance of numerous dining options.
Newcastle Museum History
The initial idea for a museum in Newcastle was developed by a consortium of interested parties, including the institution of Engineers and Supernova Inc. who worked hard to promote the idea of a regional centre in the 1980s.
The site firstly selected by this group was the Honeysuckle Railway Workshops, then still in the hands of the State Rail Authority.
Moves to acquire it failed and a decision was made to obtain and restore the former Castlemaine Brewery in Hunter Street.
That premises became home to the museum from 1988 until 2008 when it closed to allow for the new facility to be finally built at Honeysuckle.
Since re-opening in August 2011, Newcastle Museum welcomes more than 200,000 visitors annually.
Exhibitions
With three major permanent exhibitions and plenty of colourful additions.
A Newcastle Story – explores the natural environment, early Aboriginal life and Newcastle’s history and beliefs.
Fire and Earth – unveils the hot and heavy industrial heart of the Hunter in a spectacular showcase of the region’s primary industries.
Supernova – science, maths and engineering are the nuts and bolts of these interactive exhibits that challenge, inspire and engage people of all ages.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, too.
From blockbuster visiting shows to locally-based community displays, there is always something new to entice and interest guests.
Until July 31st Newcastle Museum’s exhibit, Cultural Resurgence will, for the first time, encompass National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week in this significant year in our reconciliation journey.
What’s On
FIRST | Until Sunday 6 August
First offers insight into the diverse and contemporary practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. Think of it as a blank canvas for creatives to shift the mindset on what is usually misconceived as having to fit in traditional practices.
Story Explorers | First Wednesday of Every month
On the first Wednesday of every month, during school terms, let the kids indulge in captivating tales and thrilling escapades. Explore the wonders of the Museum’s vast collection, immersing yourself in an interactive experience like no other.
Cost and Opening Hours
Entry is free for general exhibition. With special exhibitions having a small entry free.
Entry is free.
But, that’s not all.
You will also find educational kids’ games and toys, local history books, jewellery, Newcastle-branded souvenirs, specially-designed T-shirts and much more as part of the Museum Shop collection.
Newcastle Museum is accessible Tuesdays to Sundays except during holidays when it remains open seven days a week.
Opening hours 10am-5pm – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Open seven days a week during NSW school holidays, except 24, 25 and 26 December each year.
Location
Newcastle Museum is located at 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle.
You can gain entry via the Civic Light Rail Stop and enter through Museum Park, behind the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre.
Phone: (02) 4974 1400 or visit https://newcastlemuseum.com.au
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
