Newcastle Museum in Newcastle, New South Wales | Science museum

Newcastle Museum

Locality: Newcastle, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4974 1400

Address: Workshop Way 2300 Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Website: http://newcastlemuseum.com.au

Likes: 14453

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Arts and entertainment
• History Museum
• Museum
• Science museum

25.01.2022 We're so excited! Last night at the Australian Museums and Galleries Association National Awards in Canberra, our museum was awarded winner of National MAGNA for our innovative social history exhibition, 1X4! We beat some of the most prestigious cultural institutions across the country, and it's the first time a regional, local government-run museum has won the national award in its own right. As well as winning the National MAGNA, we also won the Temporary or Travelling Ex...hibition Level 1 MAGNA (for project budgets under $20,000) and the Program Website Level A MAPDA (Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards) for the 1X4 exhibition. And if that's not enough fabulous news, our director Julie Baird was also just elected as the Vice President of AMaGA National Council. What a night! We couldn't be prouder!

25.01.2022 SAVE THE DATE: This coming Sunday we have a couple of true musical treats for you, so mark your calendars!

25.01.2022 It’s not only our 1x4 exhibition that got us the applause at the MAGNA awards ceremony. Our award acceptance video also stirred a bit of interest. Here it is, showing how much work went into the exhibition and who are the faces behind it: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianMuseumsandGalleriesAssociation/videos/121330383414730

25.01.2022 Peter, Sally, Ace and Frankie, New Lambton Fire Station Officer, University Executive Officer, Student and Preschooler My wife is working from home three days a week. The rest of the time we are playing with the kids - Uno, Monopoly and puzzles, going on bike rides and walks. We've started a great little Sunday tradition of making woodfire pizza, drinking wine and listening to loud 80s hair metal outside. The kids love helping with the wood and making the pizza, then toastin...g marshmallows. I’ve missed eating out. Having friends over. Celebrating milestones 'normally'. When the health order is lifted I want to get a babysitter and go out for dinner with Sally. The kids are great and we are enjoying this forced time together but it will be nice to get away for a few hours alone. On a positive note, the kids have put down their electronics and are playing together old-school. Making up games, building forts, using their imaginations and getting along so much better than usual. They've become really good mates. During the pandemic, local photographer Luke David Kellett photographed frontline workers in their homes during lockdown. Frontline Online is an extension of this exhibition that focusses on these vital members of our community and their experiences during Covid-19. Come see the full exhibition ‘Isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during Covid-19’ (free entry).

24.01.2022 Today for Tuesday Tales we have Alissa Jones reading The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Come see the live version on Thursday October 15th midday and 6pm at Civic Theatre Newcastle!

24.01.2022 For this week's Tuesday Tales we're excited to feature local writer and skater Jim Turvey, reading "My First Skateboard" by Karl Watson. Jim is a big fan of Karl, an American skateboarder and author from San Francisco. Thanks for reading, Jim! Come back next week for another episode of Tuesday Tales!

24.01.2022 COMING UP: On Wednesday 30 June, come explore the wonderful world of international architecture through the lens of the renowned Australian photographer John Gollings, and use his photographs as an inspiration to help create a cardboard mini-city at the Museum. Bookings are essential. Please plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

24.01.2022 It's our intern Brianna's last day today, and we've given her complete reign over our Instagram account! Head to https://instagram.com/newcastlemuseum and watch her share her stories!

23.01.2022 This week we welcomed Sam Wilcox from the beautiful Visitor Information Centre. Sam read three lovely books for us today: "Our City Newcastle" by Elise Asquith "My Friend Whale" by Simon James, and "Howzat" by Mike Lefroy and Newcastle's very own Liz Anelli Illustrator! Thank you so much, Sam for giving us a little taste of Newcastle on this lovely first day of winter. Come back next week for another Tuesday Tales!

23.01.2022 We're introducing a few old-school posters from our upcoming exhibition dedicated to the zany cabaret troupe, The Castanet Club! Talking furniture, a singing lawnmower and family-friendly nudity! That’s what audiences encountered when they entered the Castanet Club, located at the back of the Clarendon Hotel Newcastle in the middle of 1983. The stage show Back to Front Room, written and performed by Castanet Club, was then only the latest in a string of performances that swiftly transformed the space into THE after-dark hangout of the early 1980s. Do you want to experience the zany world of the Castanet Club yourself? The Castanet Club: An Exhibition You Can Dance To will be on at the museum from the 11th of July.

23.01.2022 This week we are excited to introduce our very a-moose-ing Tuesday Tales reader, Clark Gormley of Nerds & Music! Clark is reading Moose by Michael Foreman. Come back next week for another story time online!

23.01.2022 This week for Tuesday Tales we welcome local environmentalist and The Litter Collective member Sinead Evelyn Francis-Coan, who is reading The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. It's a perfect story to be read in The Museum Park. Tune back this time next Tuesday for another Tuesday Tales!

22.01.2022 We have fun activities on during school holidays including a hands-on workshop where kids learn about the world’s first photographic process. Learn about light and explore where art meets science as you create your very own unique cyanotype artworks. Limited availability (Full supervision is provided, however due to capacity restrictions parents and carers are unable to attend) Suitable for ages 5+... $12 Wednesday 13 & 20 January 2020 10.30-11.30am & 12.30-1.30pm Bookings are essential and we still have a few spaces left!

22.01.2022 Still some time left to experience our FREE Sea, Space & Beyond exhibition! In these photos visitors are enjoying one of the pieces in the exhibition, an incredibly tactile work by local artist Julie Fitzgerald!

22.01.2022 It's the last week of a special exhibition made in collaboration with Miss Porter's House - National Trust of Australia NSW and Athena women artists. The exhibition presents remarkable artworks created by Athena artists and the unique objects from Miss Porter's House collections that inspired them. The exhibition is free and it is on until Sunday 13th of June; so, don't miss it!

22.01.2022 For the first week in January we had an exciting LIVE Tuesday Tales with Rebecca Trowbridge! Bek is a writer and she's reading her latest children's book Cherry Chicken Chocolate Kitchen illustrated by US illustrator Caitlin Bales! Keep an eye out for her book launch on April 11th. Come back next week for another Tuesday Tales!

21.01.2022 Today for storytime we welcome Simon McCarthy from the Newcastle Herald. He's reading Not Cute by Philip Bunting, and it's actually pretty darn cute! Tune in next week fro another Tuesday Tales.

21.01.2022 Sneak previews of Super Sneaky Science!

20.01.2022 Due to COVID safety, our Mini Nova and Supernova (kids soft play and hands on science area) are unfortunately closed until further notice. We'll be using the closure time to refresh the Mini Nova space, so when it reopens - it will be even better! The good news is: In the place of the Mini Nova and Supernova we have an AMAZING exhibition called 'Colour' from Questacon that you and your kids can experience instead. ... Book your spot via our website: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=656426 Sorry for any inconvenience, and we hope to see you at the Museum soon!

20.01.2022 Getting all googly eyes over our latest science show! Our resident scientist, Catherine will be livestream the "Eye Eye" science show at 1:15 today. Tune in on Facebook!

20.01.2022 Last week the ABC was filming at the Museum! They're making documentary series for International Day of People with Disability - Australia with Kurt Fearnley, one of our regular locals to Newcastle Museum. Learn more about the initiative here: https://www.idpwd.com.au/, and thanks for visiting Kurt and crew!

20.01.2022 Introducing more people of Museum Park! Gage and Laurie are both from Newcastle. They come here to practice parkour because they love how nice the grass is. (Check out our Instagram to see some action videos!) #PeopleOfMuseumPark sharing stories of people in Museum Park, Newcastle, NSW.

20.01.2022 Exciting news! Our free Isolation Exhibition has been extended until the 6th of December. Don't miss this chance to view at a unique moment in Novocastrians' lives and homes!

20.01.2022 Kids cyanotype workshops are underwater and underway! Still a few spots left for next Wednesday if you're keen to book! https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=685616

20.01.2022 Thanks NBN News for visiting us to chat about our new exhibition with Luke David Kellett Isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during Covid-19 Open until 22 November 2020

18.01.2022 For Remembrance Day we’d like to share a recent donation to the Newcastle Museum Collection. These embroidered postcards were sent home by Sapper Joseph Armstrong, a blacksmith from Newcastle who enlisted with the 2nd Field Company Engineers and served in France during World War One. Joseph returned home in 1919. Embroidered postcards were popular with Australian soldiers. Many were sent to relatives at home and eventually passed down through generations of Novocastrian f...amilies along with stories of service and sacrifice. Remembrance Day (11 November) marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914-18). Today we remember those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

17.01.2022 We're celebrating National NAIDOC week with Connor Watson of the Newcastle Knights! Please enjoy Connor reading Family by Aunty Fay Muir, Sue Lawson - Author and illustrated by Jasmine Seymour. Thanks for your time Connor! Learn more about NAIDOC Week here: https://www.naidoc.org.au/. Learn more about cool work Connor is doing here: https://www.newcastleknights.com.au//boots-for-brighter-f/

17.01.2022 This week we welcome local cool dad Ty Brennock. Ty is reading My Dad Used to Be so Cool by Keith Negley Illustration. Thanks for reading Ty, and come back next week for another Tuesday Tales!

16.01.2022 Only a few week left to catch our (FREE) Isolation Exhibition by local photographer Luke David Kellett! Learn more about it and him in this Hunter Hunter article.

16.01.2022 What a great finish of the week! We're still so excited about winning the prestigious 2021 National Award MAGNA for our 1x4 exhibition, and so tremendously proud of our team who have put it together.

16.01.2022 Lauren, Greg, Lachlan and Chloe of Waratah Medical Registrar, Aerospace Engineer, Student and Preschooler I fill my days working as one of the COVID doctors in the team at JHH Intensive Care Unit. My job also includes care for non-COVID patients who are admitted to the ICU. We take on critical patients for the entire Hunter New England greater area, often arriving to us via the Westpac Helicopter.... My colleagues and I have all missed our ordinary social supports, for instance, popping down the road to a girlfriend’s house to have a catch up and debrief after a long week. Our "village" of family and friend networks that we can often take for granted. The absolutely amazing community support and the camaraderie at the hospital has been a positive surprise. The amazing response from all members of the hospital has blown me away. I don't think the world will feel the same after Covid-19. Life on the whole may go back to normal, but for many of us around the world the memory will linger. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of loved ones lost to COVID-19. During the pandemic, local photographer Luke David Kellett photographed frontline workers in their homes during lockdown. Frontline Online is an extension of this exhibition that focusses on these vital members of our community and their experiences during Covid-19. Come see the full exhibition ‘Isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during Covid-19’ (free entry) on until November 22nd.

14.01.2022 The staff at Newcastle Museum would like to share our 2020 Christmas video & wish you a joyful and safe holiday and a Happy New Year! The words have been rewritten by Justin Collins - Museum Visitor Services Coordinator. We’re dreaming of a colourful Christmas ... With blue blue walls of 4x1 Where the objects glisten And children listen on mobile devices just for fun We're dreaming of a colourful Christmas With every pixel on our screen May your Days be merry not mean With a colourful Christmas at the Museum We're dreaming of a colourful Christmas to see the world in a new light where the sights are vivid and there's no covid and all our futures looking bright We’re dreaming of a colourful Christmas With every pixel on our screen May your Days be merry not mean With a colourful Christmas at the Museum

14.01.2022 Friday night! Experimental and emerging artists and musicians occupy Newcastle Museum for one night only, presented as part of THIS IS NOT ART. All welcome, entry completely free.

14.01.2022 During Reconciliation Week, we feel it’s important to participate in the National Acknowledgement of Country with Reconciliation Australia. This practice raises awareness of the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. #MoreThanAWord #NRW2021

12.01.2022 Super sneaky science sessions are on today, Thursday and next week as well! Come ask our experts a science stumper! It’s like science busking but no need to bring coins, it’s all free and lots of fun!

12.01.2022 We are exploding with excitement to be joint winners for the Poster category for the Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards 2020 for our exploding heads designed by Headjam . . Congratulations to Newcastle Art Gallery and Maitland Regional Art Gallery for their wins also. We are feeling pretty proud of the Newcastle Regions cultural institutions and designers!

12.01.2022 Over the last few weeks, our curator David has had the help from Brianna who studies at The University of Sydney! We interviewed her to find out what she's been up. Watch for a sneak preview of two interesting objects that were discovered during the Supercars upgrades.

12.01.2022 This week's person of the park is Bill of Transport for NSW. He always gets a coffee mid morning, and he picked this park because he was looking for a nice spot to soak up the sun. Thanks for visiting Bill #PeopleOfMuseumPark sharing stories of people in Museum Park, Newcastle, NSW.

11.01.2022 Our friends at the Sydney Jewish Museum recently loaned us this beautiful Ceremonial Trowel for display in Newcastle. It was used in the cornerstone laying ceremony of the Newcastle Hebrew Congregation’s synagogue on Tyrell Street in 1927. The trowel went on exhibition this week and can be seen in A Newcastle Story gallery, so stop in and have a look!

11.01.2022 Things got fabulously loud and lively tonight for Sonic Takeover with THIS IS NOT ART!

10.01.2022 Meet Dan, this week's person of the park! Dan is originally from the UK but has been in Newcastle for the last year and a half. He loves the park because it's nice and smooth and easy to skate. #PeopleOfMuseumPark sharing stories of people in Museum Park, Newcastle, NSW.

10.01.2022 This week is National NAIDOC Week! One way we acknowledge the traditional owners of Newcastle, The Awabakal and Worrimai peoples is by showcasing the construction of a Kuueeyung, traditional bark canoe from the the Punnah (Stringybark tree) and utilising all natural products sourced from Worrimai country. This canoe was made at Muluubinba, Newcastle, on site at Newcastle Museum 2018 by Wylaa Buuranliyn (Luke Russell, Scott Luschwits, Shaun Stowe, Shannon Thrift). Come visit this free exhibition any time we're open, and learn more by visiting our website: https://newcastlemuseum.com.au//permanent-exhibi/kuueeyung.

10.01.2022 COMING UP: Come explore the wonderful world of international architecture through the lens of the renowned Australian photographer John Gollings, and use his photographs as an inspiration to help create a mini cardboard city at the Museum. Please plan ahead and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment, as spots are limited!

10.01.2022 Have you heard about our new FREE 1x4 exhibition? Each object in this exhibition tells four distinct stories. You can listen to or read each of the four stories or some or none and just enjoy the beauty of the objects. Your mobile phone and the website 1x4.com.au reveal the secrets of this exhibition. Pack your headphone for an audio tour as well if you'd like to delve even deeper!

09.01.2022 Have you visited our FREE 1X4 exhibition yet?! Come dig deep and explore our objects in new ways!

09.01.2022 This week for Tuesday Tales we're excited to welcome our volunteer Linda. Linda is reading "Night Noises" by Mem Fox and Terry Denton! Behind Linda is our Miss Porter's House Exhibition, which you can check out only for the next few days. Don't miss it! Thanks for reading Linda, and we'll see you next week for another Tuesday Tales.

09.01.2022 Matt, Mel and Josephine, Charlestown Disability Support Worker, Disability/Mental Health Support Coordinator and Baby I’m filling my days working, spending time with my family and listening to Bossa nova. I’ve missed the freedom to live spontaneously and the human interaction. When the health order is lifted I want to go to the pub and a long walk. The community spirit and the creativity has been the most positive surprise. Eventually I think things will be normal again afte...r Covid-19. It may take time. - Matt I’ve been spending time mostly looking after Josephine and working. I really don’t get any free time to do anything else. Days in isolation are hard to keep Josephine entertained. We generally go out for one long walk a day and the rest is spent at home. When Josephine goes to sleep, Matt and I generally have a few glasses of wine and play Nintendo together! I’ve missed seeing Josephine explore new things outside of the home. I miss my friends and going for coffee. I miss feeling less anxious on a daily basis. When the health order has lifted I want to take Josephine to the beach and go on a family holiday. Seeing people be less wasteful has been the most positive surprise. I thought I was living relatively waste free but have improved even more during isolation. After Covid I think there will be positives that remain from this experience. Hopefully people will be more self-aware. - Mel During the pandemic, local photographer Luke David Kellett photographed frontline workers in their homes during lockdown. Frontline Online is an extension of this exhibition that focusses on these vital members of our community and their experiences during Covid-19. Come see the full exhibition ‘Isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during Covid-19’ (free entry) on until November 22nd.

09.01.2022 Raylene, Eliza, Lily, Layne, Sean and Manu, Adamstown CEO of Awabakal, Aboriginal Health Care Workers, Floor Furnishings, Self Employed and Laid off because of Covid. I fill my day by going to work every day, leading Awabakal response to COVID, very challenging dealing with it at work and then at home. I miss family and friends and visiting. I miss going out to dinner.... When the health order is lifted I want to take my family out for a feed and have kids over for a swim. The most positive surprise has been the family has survived being locked up together. After Covid-19 I feel we as a family will not take freedom for granted. During the pandemic, local photographer Luke David Kellett photographed frontline workers in their homes during lockdown. Frontline Online is an extension of this exhibition that focusses on these vital members of our community and their experiences during Covid-19. Come see the full exhibition ‘Isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during Covid-19’ (free entry) on until November 22nd

06.01.2022 This week for Tuesday Tales we welcome Paul Davies from MoneyPenny. He's reading Possum Magic by Mem Fox. You might say he's putting the tale in cocktails! ;) Come back next Tuesday for another Tuesday Tales!

06.01.2022 All eyes were on resident scientist Catherine for our recent Eye Eye science show! Content Warning, this one is not for the squeamish!

06.01.2022 Our free Isolation Exhibition by Luke David Kellett has been extended to this weekend, so come have a look. In addition, during this exhibition we've been asking people "Will the world feel the same after Covid-19?" Have a look at some of the different responses. We'll be sharing these throughout the rest of the month, so keep an eye out.

06.01.2022 Always Was, Always Will Be is the theme for NAIDOC Week 2020. The Awabakal and Worimi peoples are acknowledged as the traditional custodians of the land and waters of Newcastle. National NAIDOC Week recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. NAIDOC Week is celebrated in Indigenous communities and by all Australians from all walks of life. This week City of Newcastle offers a range of activities to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

06.01.2022 During the pandemic, Luke David Kellett Photographer photographed Novocastrians in their homes during lockdown. Come see the full exhibition ‘Isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during Covid-19’ (free entry) on until November 22nd.

06.01.2022 Enjoy beautiful voices of Lara Nakhle Music and Connor Wink in their stunning impromptu performance at the launch of 'Sea, Space & Beyond' tactile art exhibition on Friday. Museum visitors on the day were in for a real treat! Video courtesy of :Debbie Rae.

05.01.2022 Watch team members Bree, David, Julie and Grant enjoying bevvies at MoneyPenny and discussing our exciting recent big award for our innovative social history exhibition, 1X4 Exhibition with Australian Museums and Galleries Association. We're still pinching ourselves, such an honour!

03.01.2022 For this week's people of the park we have Ma, Bill and Ba. Bill's wife is not pictured as she was still checking out the Visitor Information Centre. Afterwards the four headed to the Museum to have a bit of an explore. They live in Sydney and arrived in Newcastle for a day visit while holidaying on the Central Coast. We hope you all enjoyed your time in Newy! #PeopleOfMuseumPark sharing stories of people in Museum Park, Newcastle, NSW.

03.01.2022 The Big Picture Fest is on this weekend and beautiful new big art is all around us!

03.01.2022 Science shows are back! These winter school holidays we will be having lots of fun with our scientist Catherine, leaning about all things FREEEZING cold. Hurry up and book your spots!

03.01.2022 In 2019 Newcastle’s Athena women artists accepted an invitation from the Miss Porter's House - National Trust of Australia NSW to develop artworks as responses to objects made or owned by Florence Porter and her daughters Ella and Hazel culminating in this brilliant exhibition! Produced in collaboration with Newcastle Museum, this exhibition presents remarkable original artworks and the unique collection that inspired them. This exhibition is free and on until the 13th of June; don't miss it!

02.01.2022 Thanks for writing about our new Colour exhibition, Newy with Kids! This is a great, Covid-safe activity during school holidays, but book quick, tickets sell out fast. Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=656426& Check out other school holiday activities around town by visiting City of Newcastle Facebook page.

01.01.2022 During a recent exhibition we've been asking people "Will the world feel the same after Covid-19?" Have a look at some of the different responses. We'll be sharing these throughout the rest of the month, so keep an eye out, and feel free to comment below with your own thoughts too!

01.01.2022 Our Director Julie and Curator David had a nice little chat with ABC's Dan Cox, taking Dan behind the scenes at the Museum:

01.01.2022 Kieren, Renae Iris & Esther, Belmont Bus Operator, Bank Officer, Pre-schooler & Greyhound Not a great deal has changed work wise as Renae and myself are both essential workers and have been working the usual hours we always do. It has been hard trying to keep Iris entertained because she loves being outdoors, especially at the park where she can interact with other kids. But we have been taking our greyhound for lots of walks, which has been great for all of us especially I...ris who loves walking her. The thing that we have missed the most would definitely be seeing our families, it’s been hard on Iris because she’s too young to understand why we haven’t been seeing her cousins, grandparents and aunties and uncles. When the health order is lifted we want to have a big family get together to celebrate! The most positive surprise has been technology keeping everyone more connected than I thought, video calls have been a lifesaver. Also not feeling pressured to go out and do things as everything is closed so essentially getting to spend more time with Renae and Iris. I think the world will feel different after Covid-19 as a lot has changed in the last few months. We have been very lucky to live here in Australia as other countries around the world have been devastated by Covid-19. The effects of this virus will be felt for quite a while yet. I hope when we come out the other side of this everyone has learnt to respect the planet and each other, as it has been a huge wakeup call and has shown everyone just how fragile life can be. During the pandemic, local photographer Luke David Kellett photographed frontline workers in their homes during lockdown. Frontline Online is an extension of this exhibition that focusses on these vital members of our community and their experiences during Covid-19. Come see the full exhibition ‘Isolation: Portraits of Newcastle during Covid-19’ (free entry).

01.01.2022 Content Warning: Not for the squeamish! Live Science Show - Eye Eye

01.01.2022 Meet today's friendly face in Museum Park, Fiona! This photo was taken a few weeks ago when Fiona was enjoying her lunch break. Fiona recently started her new job at the nearby Victim Support Unit : VOCAL Inc NSW. We look forward to seeing her around. #PeopleOfMuseumPark sharing stories of people in Museum Park, Newcastle, NSW