Australian National Maritime Museum

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Australian National Maritime Museum The Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology.
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Australia's National Maritime Museum located on Gadigal Country, Sydney 🐳 We share stories of the sea and waterways | FREE ENTRY

We encourage respectful and relevant discussions and have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination or bullying. The museum presents a changing program of stimulating exhibitions and events to share Australia’s maritime history and connect the stories, objects, people and places that are part of our country’s narrative. Visit us online:
www.sea.museum

Stay in the know and subscribe to our newsletter:
http://eepurl.com/bfes-z

View our Social Media Community Guidelines:
https://www.sea.museum/community-guidelines

Journey with us to Canberra! 🚌✨Calling all Museum Members (or want to be members)! We’re taking a day trip to visit the ...
21/10/2026

Journey with us to Canberra! 🚌✨

Calling all Museum Members (or want to be members)! We’re taking a day trip to visit the newly opened permanent galleries at the Australian War Memorial—housing more than 7,000 historic objects, aircraft and immersive displays.

Highlights include the Japanese Midget Submarine from 1942, an F/A-18A Hornet, the Lancaster Bomber, and the sacred Last Post Ceremony in the Commemorative Courtyard.

📅 Thursday 29 October (Full-day trip with return minibus transport from ANMM)
🎟️ Tickets: $120 – $140
📍 Leaves from Australian National Maritime Museum
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/members-canberra-trip-to-the-australian-war-memorial-tickets-1995179969999?

Growing up in Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution, Shou Min Guo experienced a childhood shaped by uncertainty and ha...
20/10/2026

Growing up in Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution, Shou Min Guo experienced a childhood shaped by uncertainty and hardship.

His career as a sailor brought him to Australia throughout the 1980s, where the kindness of strangers and opportunities for a better life inspired him to make Australia his home.

In 1989, Shou arrived in Sydney with very little money. He found work on a building site the very next day, balancing multiple jobs while studying English. He was later reunited with his wife and young daughter, and together they built a new life in Australia.

Today, the Guo family's migration journey is permanently honoured on Australia's National Monument to Migration.

Every Chinese-Australian family has a story. Is yours being remembered?
The Australian National Maritime Museum is inviting Chinese migrants and their families to be part of a dedicated Chinese Heritage Panel, recognising the journeys, sacrifices and contributions of Chinese Australians.

Have your name or the name of a loved one permanently inscribed in bronze, preserving your family's story for generations to come.

Be part of the Chinese Heritage Panel. Register today: https://www.sea.museum/en/support/national-monument/honouring-chinese-migrants

Growing up in Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution, Shou Min Guo experienced a childhood shaped by uncertainty and ha...
20/10/2026

Growing up in Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution, Shou Min Guo experienced a childhood shaped by uncertainty and hardship.

His career as a sailor brought him to Australia throughout the 1980s, where the kindness of strangers and opportunities for a better life inspired him to make Australia his home.

In 1989, Shou arrived in Sydney with very little money. He found work on a building site the very next day, balancing multiple jobs while studying English. He was later reunited with his wife and young daughter, and together they built a new life in Australia.

Today, the Guo family's migration journey is permanently honoured on Australia's National Monument to Migration.

Every Chinese-Australian family has a story. Is yours being remembered?
The Australian National Maritime Museum is inviting Chinese migrants and their families to be part of a dedicated Chinese Heritage Panel, recognising the journeys, sacrifices and contributions of Chinese Australians.

Have your name or the name of a loved one permanently inscribed in bronze, preserving your family's story for generations to come.

Be part of the Chinese Heritage Panel. Register today: https://www.sea.museum/en/support/national-monument/honouring-chinese-migrants

Making history high above the harbour! 🏗️🎂 Happy Birthday, Sydney Opera House!📸 Placing roof section, Sydney Opera House...
20/10/2026

Making history high above the harbour! 🏗️🎂 Happy Birthday, Sydney Opera House!

📸 Placing roof section, Sydney Opera House (1965) by David Moore.

This powerful black-and-white photograph captures a moment featuring the sheer scale and craftsmanship behind construction of Sydney’s most famous landmark.

📷 Object number00030736 ©Lisa, Michael, Matthew and Joshua Moore / ANMM Collection
Show Less

Sometimes you glance into the hold and realise the lighting is treating your colleagues like an Old Master canvas.Workin...
19/10/2026

Sometimes you glance into the hold and realise the lighting is treating your colleagues like an Old Master canvas.

Working down in the timber spaces has a way of turning everyday graft—coiling rope, checking lines, sharing the load—into pure visual drama. Caravaggio could never.

POV: You’re learning to become a shipwrightThis week, we were delighted to host Matilda, Oliver, Jess and Andrew, along ...
18/10/2026

POV: You’re learning to become a shipwright

This week, we were delighted to host Matilda, Oliver, Jess and Andrew, along with their instructor Cody Horgan, from the Wooden Boat Centre Tasmania through a Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme placement.

During their time with us, they worked alongside our talented Fleet Team and Sydney Heritage Fleet, expanding their knowledge of traditional maritime skills, vessel maintenance and conservation practices.

A big thank you to the students for bringing such enthusiasm, curiosity and energy to the week. It was a pleasure to share knowledge and stories with the next generation of maritime heritage practitioners.
Keep an eye on our page as we share some highlights from their week.

The Maritime Museums of Australia Project Support Scheme is funded by the Australian Government through the Australian National Maritime Museum and the AusGov Office for the Arts.

MUSEUM SHOP | Looking for the perfect gift for a curious young ocean explorer? 💙🐠From sensory touch-and-feel books to in...
17/10/2026

MUSEUM SHOP | Looking for the perfect gift for a curious young ocean explorer? 💙🐠

From sensory touch-and-feel books to interactive activity sets, our Museum Shop is packed with ocean-themed reads that inspire wonder, learning and fun!

✨ Featured items starting from just $12.
📍 Find us inside the Museum or shop online to bring the deep blue home!
https://store.anmm.gov.au/collections/kids-books

THREE UNMISSABLE TALKS THIS WEEK AT THE MUSEUM! 🎙️⚓🎙️ Saturday 17 Oct (2 PM): Author Talk: The Memory Tapes with Dr Shir...
16/10/2026

THREE UNMISSABLE TALKS THIS WEEK AT THE MUSEUM! 🎙️⚓

🎙️ Saturday 17 Oct (2 PM): Author Talk: The Memory Tapes with Dr Shirleene Robinson AM
Explore 58,000+ hours of national memories, reflections, and oral history. [FREE]

✈️ Wednesday 21 Oct (2 PM): Author Talk: Australia’s Dambusters with Colin Burgess
Discover the incredible courage of the Australian airmen who flew WWII's most perilous missions. [FREE]

⚓ Thursday 22 Oct (2 PM): Speakers Talk: A History of Sydney in 10 (or so) Wrecks
Dive into 200 years of Sydney harbour history through 10 iconic shipwrecks. [$10 / Free for Members]

✍️ Book signings will take place following both Author Talks!
🎟️ Reserve your spots now: https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on

16/10/2026

Happy Friday from beneath the waterline! Nothing says "weekend's almost here" quite like diving into 120-year-old yacht maintenance. Packing out, work underway. 🛠️✨

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15/10/2026

From the harbour to the slipway blocks: SY Ena goes in for routine maintenance in seconds flat. ⏳🛥️

​Wait for the final 3 seconds to see our apprentice cinematographer. 🎥🐾👀

​

13/10/2026

Talk about a full-circle moment! ⚓️✨

When Peter Senior worked on HMAS Vampire back in 1983, he told his young son all about his time working on the gun turrets. Fast forward years later, Peter Junior started his own journey with Vampire and sent his dad a picture in front of the guns on his first day! 🥹

With Vampire turning 70 later this month, we’re looking back at the incredible people and memories that make "The Bat" so special. 🎂

We’d love to hear from you: What’s your favourite memory or story with HMAS Vampire? Share it below! 👇

Interested in Australian history, oral storytelling, and archival preservation?Join author and historian Dr. Shirleene R...
11/10/2026

Interested in Australian history, oral storytelling, and archival preservation?

Join author and historian Dr. Shirleene Robinson AM for an exclusive discussion on her new book, The Memory Tapes, showcasing highlights from the National Library of Australia’s extraordinary oral history and folklore collection.

The Memory Tapes weaves together lived experiences across domestic life, culture, politics, and social change, learning about Australia’s past directly through the voices of those who experienced it.

🗓 Saturday, 17 October | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍The Theatre, Australian National Maritime Museum
✍️ Copies will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation.
👉 Register https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/author-talk-the-memory-tapes-tickets-1992985042913?

Happy Gaffers Day! ⛵✨To celebrate, the Australian Register of Historic Vessels is showcasing 9 incredible classic boats ...
10/10/2026

Happy Gaffers Day! ⛵✨

To celebrate, the Australian Register of Historic Vessels is showcasing 9 incredible classic boats on the Register.

If you could sail into Sydney Harbour on just ONE of these today, which would you pick? 🤔

1️⃣ Kathleen Gillett (Pioneering 1947–48 circumnavigator)
2️⃣ Smoky Cape (Classic Colin Archer-inspired design)
3️⃣ Maud (1931 fishing boat turned race winner)
4️⃣ Killala (Meticulously restored 1896 yawl)
5️⃣ Questing (1949 club racing champion)
6️⃣ Fury (16-ft skiff by Norman R. Wright & Sons)
7️⃣ Gymea (Rare 21-ft Restricted Class survivor)
8️⃣ Fidelis (Celebrated NZ ocean-racing legend)
9️⃣ Cherana (1959 Sydney to Hobart winner)

👇 Tell us your pick and why in the comments!

Did you know a 17th-century pirate helped pave the way for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution? 💡Described as "A Pirate...
10/10/2026

Did you know a 17th-century pirate helped pave the way for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution? 💡

Described as "A Pirate of Exquisite Mind," William Dampier was much more than an ocean adventurer—he was a pioneer of scientific observation, navigation, and natural history in Australia.

Come along to Speakers Talk: William Dampier - Explorer, Naturalist and Pirate to uncover the remarkable stories behind his three global voyages and best-selling books.

⏰Wednesday 14 October, 2 – 3:30 PM
🎟 Entry: $10 (Free entry for Museum Members)
Reserve your tickets now on Eventbrite!

Last chance to go in the draw to win a 7-night Viking Shores & Fjords voyage for two, valued at $16,590 courtesy of exhi...
08/10/2026

Last chance to go in the draw to win a 7-night Viking Shores & Fjords voyage for two, valued at $16,590 courtesy of exhibition sponsor Viking.

Departing Amsterdam on 12 April 2028, this unforgettable cultural journey includes visits to UNESCO sites, the cobblestone streets of Stavanger and vibrant Oslo, home to the Edvard Munch Museum.

To enter, become a member, renew your membership or visit the exhibition, then submit your entry by midnight Sunday 11 October 2026.

Don’t miss the opportunity to win this remarkable prize from Viking.

www.sea.museum/galloway-hoard

T&C’s apply.

07/10/2026

From the archives to the streets. 🎨

Peter Drew reflects on uncovering the original 1916 document of Monga Khan from the National Archives of Australia and why he’s bringing the iconic AUSSIE poster series back after first introducing it in 2016.

This isn't about division; it’s about coming from a place of unity and finding strength in our shared story.

Watch the full video to hear Peter's story. 🎬

www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/exhibitions/aussies

FINAL DAYS | Treasures of the Viking Age – The Galloway Hoard ⚔️Time is running out to experience one of the most signif...
05/10/2026

FINAL DAYS | Treasures of the Viking Age – The Galloway Hoard ⚔️

Time is running out to experience one of the most significant Viking-age discoveries ever found! The Galloway Hoard is in its final days at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Uncovered in Scotland, this remarkable collection features silver bullion, intricate gold jewellery and rare preserved textiles from the 9th and 10th centuries. Whether you're a history enthusiast or bringing the whole family along, this is your last opportunity to witness these ancient treasures up close before the exhibition officially closes.

🎟️ Don't miss out—book your tickets online now to secure your final spot!
https://bit.ly/4y8GoxJ

Only one week until Gaffers Day! ⚓✨Since 1972, this iconic event hosted by the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club has brought t...
03/10/2026

Only one week until Gaffers Day! ⚓✨

Since 1972, this iconic event hosted by the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club has brought together a stunning fleet of classic and gaff-rigged vessels on Sydney Harbour.

The Australian Register of Historic Vessels team will be on-site! Drop by to say hello, share your boat stories and discover how we preserve Australia’s maritime history.

📍 Sydney Amateur Sailing Club (1 Green St, Cremorne Point)
🗓️ Sunday 11 October 2026 | 8am – 5pm

📸 To tempt you: check out Kathleen Gillett gliding across Sydney Harbour! Built in 1939 for marine artist Jack Earl and named after his wife, this double-ended gaff ketch competed in the inaugural 1945 Sydney to Hobart race and was only the second Australian yacht to circumnavigate the globe. 🌊

Daylight savings starts tomorrow! ☀️ Extra sunshine means extra time for surfing, picnics and twilight sailing on Sydney...
03/10/2026

Daylight savings starts tomorrow! ☀️ Extra sunshine means extra time for surfing, picnics and twilight sailing on Sydney Harbour ⛵✨

How are you going to maximize the extended light? Tell us below! 👇
Twilight Sail ⛵ | Park Picnic 🧺| Sunset Surf 🏄 |

Images:
William James Hall, Sailing vessel on Sydney Harbour, INSC 951, 1920-1939
Object number 00010699

David Moore, Barbeque picnic at Store Beach,1967
Object number00030720
Collection Gift from David Moore

Jack Eden, Ken Williams at Cronulla Point, 1964
Object numberANMS1078[014] Gift from Dawn and Jack Eden

Looking for plans this long weekend? We’ve got something for the whole family! ☀️👇Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on:✨ Tre...
02/10/2026

Looking for plans this long weekend? We’ve got something for the whole family! ☀️👇

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on:
✨ Treasures of the Viking Age – Galloway Hoard (Last chance to see!)
🎨 Kids on Deck daily during the school holidays (10:30am – 4pm)
🐚 Learn the powerful stories of the last pearling elders
⛵ Lighthouses, historic vessels & interactive kids’ trails
☕ Fresh bites & harbour views at the Harbour Watch Café

What more could you ask for? Tag who you're bringing and plan your trip today! 🎟️👇

We're open every day 9.30am to 5pm (vessel entry finishes at 3pm)
https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on

01/10/2026

Reset your algorithm. 🌊✨

Easing into Friday morning with some soothing wooden boat maintenance and smooth sanding. Nothing beats starting the day with a little hands-on TLC for our boats.

We love our volunteers! Their time, care and dedication keep us afloat every day! 🪵⚓

Address

2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
Sydney, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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