Page 92 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

90  SY DNEY AREA B Y AREA

r Australian Museum

The Australian Museum, the nation’s leading natural
science museum, founded in 1827, was the first
museum established and remains the premier
showcase of Australian natural history. The main
building, an impressive sandstone structure with
a marble staircase, faces Hyde Park. Architect Mortimer
Lewis was forced to resign his position when building
costs began to far exceed the budget. Construction
was completed in the 1860s by James Barnet. Crystal Hall Main Entrance
The collection provides a journey across Australia As originally intended by the architect
in the 19th century, the main entrance
and the near Pacific, covering biology and both natural is now on William Street. Opened in
and cultural history. The museum runs a changing 2015, the glass walkway
programme of special events, including talks, features a façade of
workshops, demonstrations and kids’ activities. diamond-shaped
glass pleats.
Chapman Mineral
Collection
Planet of Minerals
This section features a
walk-through re-creation
of an underground mine
with a display of gems
and minerals.
Rhodochrosite Cuprite

Crystal Hall
Main Entrance

Education
Centre

. First Australians
From the Dreaming to the struggle for self-
determination and land rights, this exhibit Ground
tells the stories of Australia’s first peoples. floor

Museum Guide The historic College
The First Australians Gallery is on the ground floor, Street entrance has
as are the Long Gallery and Wild Planet. Mineral The Long Gallery, been converted into
and rock exhibits are in two galleries on level 1. on the ground floor, an exhibition space –
Birds and Insects are found on level 2, along with provides insights into Wild Planet – with over
Kidspace, Surviving Australia and Dinosaurs. 100 famous Australians. 400 animal specimens.

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