Immigration Museum, Melbourne

The Immigration Museum, situated on Flinders Street in Melbourne, Victoria, inside the Old Customs House, is dedicated to showcasing the immigration history of Melbourne and Victoria while celebrating the rich diversity of the community through shared stories. This heritage building, constructed between 1855 and 1876 by architects Peter Kerr, with additional input from J.J. Clark and Arthur Ebden Johnson, stands as one of Melbourne's magnificent architectural landmarks, reflecting the significant trade expansion and increased revenue during the gold rush era.

One of the museum's prominent features is the Long Room, an impressive example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Established in 1998, the museum operates as a division of Museums Victoria, responsible for curating the cultural and scientific collections of the State of Victoria. It shares ties with other Museums Victoria institutions, including Melbourne Museum (inclusive of the Royal Exhibition Building) and Scienceworks Museum.

Beyond its core mission of documenting immigration history, the museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions and offers educational programs. The museum's courtyard serves as a venue for community festivals, blending food, music, and culture, and includes the Tribute Garden, paying homage to immigrants from more than 90 countries.

Visitors have the opportunity to discover various permanent exhibitions, alongside an intriguing selection of visiting and temporary installations. One such permanent exhibition is "Identity: Yours, Mine, Ours," which delves into the influence of Australian cultural heritage, language, family, and beliefs on people's self-perception and their views of others. Another exhibit, "Immigration Stories and Timeline," sheds light on the historical origins of Australians over the years. Additionally, "Journeys of a Lifetime" explores the commonality of our life journeys, regardless of our backgrounds or places of origin.

Why You Should Visit:
Good place to learn a thing or two about a topic not covered by most museums.
The facilities are clean and large and the educational benefits are very ample.
Knowledgeable/patient guides who explain enthusiastically and engage in discussion.

Tip:
Free entry for students of any country or anyone over 60 years of age (bring ID).
Don't miss the mock immigration interviews!