All ethnology museums to visit in Australia

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 30 ethnology museums in Australia. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Australia:

  1. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia1

    Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

     Sydney
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, previously known as the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney, is a prominent art museum situated in Sydney. It was inaugurated in November 1991 and is housed in a building originally constructed for the Maritime Services Board, also known as the MSB building. The museum showcases a wide range of contemporary art from Australia and around the world.
  2. Museum of Sydney2

    Museum of Sydney

     Sydney
    The Museum of Sydney is a historical collection and exhibition, built on the ruins of the house of the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip. This location gives the museum a unique historical significance, as it stands on the site of the first Government House of Australia, constructed in 1788. The original house was later abandoned, and its foundations were uncovered by archaeologists in 1983. The new museum building was designed by architects from Denton Corker Marshall and is part of the Governor Phillip Tower development.
  3. National Museum of Australia3

    National Museum of Australia

     Canberra
    The National Museum of Australia provides a comprehensive overview of the country's history. It traces the history of 50,000 years of Aboriginal presence, the arrival of Europeans since 1788, and key events such as the creation of the Australian federation and the Sydney 2000 Olympics. This makes it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding Australia's past.
  4. Queensland Museum4

    Queensland Museum

     Brisbane
    The Queensland Museum, located in Brisbane, is the state museum of Queensland. It is dedicated to showcasing natural history, cultural heritage, science, and human achievement. Visitors can expect to explore a wide range of exhibits that delve into these diverse areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of Queensland's rich history and culture.
  5. Hyde Park Barracks5

    Hyde Park Barracks

     Sydney
    Hyde Park Barracks is a historical site located at the southern end of Macquarie Street in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is conveniently situated near the northeastern corner of Hyde Park, opposite Queens Square, and next to the Sydney Mint. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  6. Melbourne Museum6

    Melbourne Museum

     Melbourne
    The Melbourne Museum, the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, is situated in the Carlton Gardens, a public park in Melbourne. It shares this location with the Royal Exhibition Building, a structure that is over a century old. This location provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical architecture, making it an interesting place to visit.
  7. Immigration Museum7

    Immigration Museum

     Melbourne
    The Immigration Museum in Melbourne, Australia is a unique institution dedicated to the history and experiences of immigration to Australia. It provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse cultures and communities that have shaped the nation, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich tapestry of Australian society.
  8. Australian Museum8

    Australian Museum

     Sydney
    The Australian Museum in Sydney, established in 1827, is the oldest museum in Australia. It primarily focuses on natural history and anthropology, housing extensive collections in zoology (vertebrates and invertebrates), mineralogy, paleontology, and anthropology. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Australia's rich natural and cultural heritage.
  9. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory9

    Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

     Darwin
    The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is situated in the inner Darwin suburb of Fannie Bay. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of exhibits and collections for visitors to explore. The museum is governed by the Board of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and is supported by the Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory Foundation.
  10. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery10

    Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

     Hobart
    The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is a significant cultural institution located in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. Tasmania is an island state of Australia, situated in the southeast of the country. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse culture of this region.
  11. South Australian Museum11

    South Australian Museum

     Adelaide
    The South Australian Museum, founded in 1856, is a significant cultural institution located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is situated in the city's cultural district on North Terrace, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum's rich history and central location make it a notable point of interest for tourists exploring Adelaide.
  12. Chinese Museum12

    Chinese Museum

     Melbourne
    The Chinese Museum, also known as the Museum of Chinese Australian History, is situated in Melbourne's vibrant Chinatown. The museum's primary focus is to document, preserve, and display the rich history, heritage, and culture of the Chinese community in Australia. It provides a comprehensive insight into the Chinese influence on Australian society, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in cultural history.
  13. Migration Museum13

    Migration Museum

     Adelaide
    The Migration Museum in Adelaide is a social history museum that is situated in South Australia. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the history of immigration and settlement in South Australia. The museum is conveniently located, making it an accessible destination for tourists.
  14. Cairns Museum14

    Cairns Museum

     Cairns
    The Cairns Museum, located at 93-105 Lake Street in Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, is a heritage-listed former school of arts known as the Cairns School of Arts. This historic building has been transformed into a museum that showcases the local history of Cairns and its surrounding region.
  15. Rainforestation Nature Park15

    Rainforestation Nature Park

     Kuranda
    Rainforestation Nature Park is a popular tourist destination located near Kuranda in Far North Queensland, Australia. The park is set on a vast 100-acre land, nestled in the heart of a World Heritage-listed rainforest. This unique setting offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
  16. Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory16

    Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory

     Perth
    The Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory is a unique destination that combines science education, astronomy, Aboriginal culture, and tourism. Located in the serene bushland near Gingin, north of Perth in Western Australia, this not-for-profit interactive science education centre offers a rich and diverse experience for visitors. Operated by The Gravity Discovery Centre Foundation Board Inc., the centre is a testament to the wonders of science and the universe.
  17. 17

    Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery

     Darwin
    If you are into Australian Indigenous Art, definitely visit this gallery and admire naturalistic and abstract designs painted on canvas.
  18. Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery18

    Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery

     Launceston
    The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) is a significant cultural institution located in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. It holds the distinction of being the largest museum in Australia that is not situated in a capital city. This makes it a unique destination for tourists who are interested in exploring Australia's rich cultural and historical heritage outside of the usual metropolitan areas.
  19. University of Queensland Anthropology Museum19

    University of Queensland Anthropology Museum

     Brisbane
    The University of Queensland Anthropology Museum, situated in Brisbane, Australia, is home to the largest university collection of ethnographic material culture in the country. This makes it a significant destination for those interested in anthropology and cultural studies.
  20. 20

    Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

     Adelaide
    The Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, often referred to as Tandanya, is an art museum situated on Grenfell Street in Adelaide, South Australia. This museum specializes in promoting Indigenous Australian art, including visual art, music, and storytelling. It is the oldest Aboriginal-owned and -run cultural centre in Australia, deriving its name from Tarndanya, the Kaurna Aboriginal people's name for the Adelaide city centre and parklands area, meaning 'place of the red kangaroo'.
  21. Koorie Heritage Trust21

    Koorie Heritage Trust

     Melbourne
    The Koorie Heritage Trust is an Indigenous not-for-profit cultural organisation that is based in Melbourne. This organisation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of the Indigenous people of south-east Australia. It is a significant cultural institution that provides a deep insight into the rich history and traditions of the Indigenous people.
  22. Islamic Museum of Australia22

    Islamic Museum of Australia

     Melbourne
    The Islamic Museum of Australia, located in Thornbury, Melbourne, is a community museum that was established in May 2010. It holds the distinction of being the first Islamic museum in Australia. The museum was founded as a not-for-profit foundation with the aim of showcasing the artistic heritage and historical contributions of Muslims in Australia and abroad.
  23. 23

    Better World Arts

     Port Adelaide
    Have you ever seen an exhibition of hand-made pieces of art by Aboriginal artists? In this gallery you can also buy their works as gifts!
  24. 24

    Strehlow Research Center

     Alice Springs
    The Strehlow Research Centre, located within the Museum of Central Australia, is a significant cultural hub in Alice Springs. It is situated in the Araluen Cultural Precinct, a vibrant area that is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural history of Australia's Northern Territory.
  25. 25

    NT Chinese Museum

     Darwin
    First Chinese labourers came to Darwin in 1874 and the museum's aim is to show the importance of Chinese community and preserve it.
  26. Bonegilla Migrant Experience26

    Bonegilla Migrant Experience

     City of Wodonga
    The Bonegilla Migrant Camp was located on the banks of the Murray River, 12 km from Wodonga, over 300 km from Melbourne, and about 600 km from Sydney. Its location provided a serene and peaceful environment for the immigrants, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Today, the site offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a significant part of Australia's history in a beautiful natural setting.
  27. Rathdowney Visitor Information Centre and Historical Museum27

    Rathdowney Visitor Information Centre and Historical Museum

     Rathdowney
    The Rathdowney Information Centre and Historical Museum is a significant site for visitors interested in the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The centre provides information on the natural heritage, indigenous heritage, and the history of white settlement from the time of the first pioneers to the present day. It's a great place to learn about the history and culture of Rathdowney and its surrounding areas.
  28. 28

    Mason Gallery

     Darwin
    One of the galleries presenting Australian Aboriginal Art focusing mainly on artists from the Western Desert areas.
  29. 29

    Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery

     Canberra
    This gallery features Aboriginal art by Old Masters from all regions. If you're interested in Australian history, this is a place not to miss.
  30. 30

    4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art

     Sydney
    Meet different cultures through this gallery's art displays. Intriguing pieces from Asian artists in a pleasant setting.