Australian Museum 200th Anniversary in 2027: Discover Two Centuries of Extraordinary Stories in Sydney

Australian Museum

Sydney’s Australian Museum is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone in 2027, with a year-long program of exhibitions, immersive experiences, First Nations culture, scientific discoveries and special community events. The AM200 anniversary will invite visitors to explore Australia’s oldest museum in new ways while reflecting on two centuries of history, knowledge and discovery.

Officially marking its 200th anniversary on 30 March 2027, the Australian Museum will offer locals and visitors to Sydney an exciting calendar of experiences celebrating the natural world, human history and the cultures that shape Australia.

A Dinosaur Spectacle Opens the Celebrations

The anniversary program begins with The World’s Biggest Dinosaur: Dinosaurs of Patagonia, opening on 28 November 2026. The exhibition will feature a cast of the largest complete dinosaur fossil ever discovered, occupying more than 38 metres of the Museum’s international touring exhibition hall.

Dinosaurs have long been among the Australian Museum’s most popular attractions, appealing to families, children and visitors fascinated by prehistoric life. This major exhibition offers an exciting reason to plan a Sydney museum visit ahead of the official anniversary year.

Experience David Attenborough’s Story of Earth

Australian Museum

In March 2027, the Australian Museum will become the first museum outside Europe to present Our Story with David Attenborough.

This 50-minute immersive cinematic experience will surround audiences with spectacular imagery projected across four walls and the floor. It traces the story of Earth and humanity, from their beginnings to the future we share.

Running for eight months, the experience will provide visitors with a compelling opportunity to consider the planet’s natural history, humanity’s place within it and the importance of protecting our shared environment.

Four Weekends of AM200 Festival Celebrations

April 2027 will bring the AM200 Festival, a four-weekend celebration featuring science, culture, live experiences and rare behind-the-scenes access.

The festival will showcase the breadth of the Museum’s work, from its extensive collections and scientific research to the stories, discoveries and people behind its exhibitions. Visitors will have opportunities to explore areas and activities that are not usually part of a standard museum visit.

The anniversary will also feature a new one-hour documentary exploring the Australian Museum’s history and transformation, alongside The Australian Museum: 200 Years, a richly illustrated history book.

A Museum-wide Discovery Trail will guide visitors through significant objects, specimens and discoveries, revealing how scientific research helps explain environmental changes over time.

First Nations Culture and Knowledge Take Centre Stage

Australian Museum

First Nations cultures and knowledge will be central to the anniversary program.

Kalikina Country, a major permanent artwork by celebrated Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder and artist Aunty Lola Greeno and her daughter, artist Vanessa Greeno, will be unveiled in Hintze Hall.

Another highlight, Message Sticks, will explore enduring First Nations systems of communication, connection and Lore through stories, objects and living cultural knowledge.

These initiatives will provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the richness and continuity of First Nations cultures while recognising their fundamental place in Australia’s history and the Museum’s work.

Share Your Australian Museum Memories

The Australian Museum has invited generations of visitors to contribute to Museum Memories, an online collection capturing personal experiences and connections with the institution.

A new website will also showcase a selection of the Museum’s most significant discoveries since 1827, accompanied by stories highlighting its collections, research and achievements.

Further exhibitions, public programs, cultural initiatives and collaborations are expected to be announced as the anniversary approaches.

Plan a Visit to the Australian Museum in Sydney

Australian Museum

Located in central Sydney, the Australian Museum is an appealing destination for families, culture enthusiasts, science lovers and travellers seeking educational experiences. The AM200 celebrations will offer additional reasons to include the Museum in a Sydney holiday, whether visiting for a major exhibition, an immersive film experience or the April festival.

Supported by the Australian Museum Foundation for a number of anniversary initiatives, AM200 is proudly presented with Westpac as the Museum’s Principal Partner.

With two centuries of discoveries behind it, the Australian Museum’s 2027 anniversary promises to celebrate its legacy while looking towards the discoveries and stories of its next century.

Australian Museum 

Website: https://australian.museum/
Address: 1 William Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Phone: +61 2 9320 6000.
Email: info@australian.museum

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