AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM TO UNDERGO TRANSFORMATION

The Australian Museum will receive $7.2 million, as part of the 2014-15 NSW Budget to transform the educational and cultural institution and generate new life for visitors, Minister for the Arts Troy Grant announced.

“The historic museum, which is one of the nation’s most important scientific research and educational institutions, will receive $4.7 million over two years to develop the Master Plan for the Yurong Street end of the current museum site,” Mr Grant said.

“The New Australian Museum Master Plan will incorporate new spaces dedicated to education and learning, a large temporary display space to host international blockbuster exhibitions, and permanent galleries to display the Museum’s internationally significant Pacific collection.

“A further $2.5 million has been allocated to complete Stage 1 of the New Australian Museum which will improve accessibility, putting the focus back on the visitor experience.

“The NSW State Government recognises the Australian Museum’s significance to the city, the state and the country and is funding these important works and future planning to ensure the Australian Museum can deliver a world-class visitor experience to the people of NSW and to interstate and international tourists,” Mr Grant said.