The first new major Melbourne museum opening in 25 years is happening on September 21, promising "a hands-on learning experience for all ages".
The National Communication Museum (NCM) is set to open its doors in Hawthorn, Melbourne, on Saturday 21 September. The new Melbourne museum offers a contemporary look at the evolving world of communication, connecting audiences through the exploration of technologies past, present, and future.
From First Nations’ storytelling to artificial intelligence, the NCM examines the Overland Telegraph Line and the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow. Through its extensive collection of artefacts and innovative use of robotics and responsive artificial intelligence, the museum invites visitors to learn about communications in Australia and beyond.
Melbourne’s new major museum
- The National Communication Museum (NCM) will be Melbourne’s first major museum in 25 years
- It will open its doors in Hawthorn, Melbourne, on Saturday 21 September
- From First Nations’ storytelling to artificial intelligence, it focuses on the evolving world of communication
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NCM features nostalgic exhibits alongside future-focused advancements, answering questions about technology that people may be hesitant to ask. The museum makes these complex topics accessible and enjoyable for tech newcomers.
NCM Co-Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director, Emily Siddons, commented, “NCM is a trip down memory lane for those who remember retro tech like MSN messenger, rotary phones, the Speaking Clock, the iconic burger phone, and the first internet cafes. It also answers pressing questions about communication technology today.”
The new Melbourne museum opens with two temporary exhibitions:
- Instruments of Surveillance – An exploration of surveillance technologies and their role in society, curated in collaboration with Dr. Tyne Sumner of the Australian National University.
- Artificial Sky – A study of human-made satellite constellations, developed in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology’s Centre for Astrophysics and Space Machines Company.
The museum spans two levels with interactive exhibits, immersive rooms (including a 1990s Cyber Café), and a working historical telephone exchange. NCM also boasts a Kids Hub and a dynamic education program in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology.
NCM Co-Chief Executive Officer, Anna Prenc, added, “NCM has something for everyone – from curious children and teens to nostalgic adults and students. It’s a hands-on learning experience for all ages.”
The NCM, housed in a refurbished 1930s telephone exchange building on Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, will open to the public on 21 September.
For more information, visit ncm.org.au.
