In 1827 a group of influential citizens in the colony of NSW established the 'Colonial Museum' as it was called, based on a collection in the care of Mr. W. Holmes. By 1829 the name Australian Museum was in use.

The first Committee of Superintendence of the Australian Museum and Botanical Gardens was appointed in 1836 an comprised several prominent citizens including Sir Alexander Macleay, William Macarthur and Charles Sturt.

The first Board of Trustees was established under the Australian Museum Act of 1853 and was given 'the entire management and superintendence of the affairs, concerns and property' at the Museum. This act was succeeded by various Museum Acts, 1902 and 1975. The Australian Museum Trust is a corporation with perpetual succession. There are 10 trustees, 8 of whom are appointed by the Government Minister from a list of nominated people, the remaining two are elected by the trustees.

The mission of the Australian Museum is to increase understanding of our natural environment and cultural heritage and to be a catalyst in changing public attitudes. The conduct of original research and maintenance of collections are central to the achievement of the mission.

The prehistory, geology and animals of Australia, Papua New Guinea and the near Pacific have always been and remain the museum's traditional interests. More than 30 research programs in systematic and evolutionary zoology, ecology, geology and anthropology are conducted and at any one time up to 50 scientists are actively engaged in scientific research with the Museum. Many of these people are internationally recognised experts. The research makes use of the Museum's collections as well as field and laboratory studies, which also effectively increase the value of the collections for research purposes.

Open 7 days, 9.30am - 5pm.
Free exhibition tours at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm, and Activity Stations in the exhibitions at 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm every day and a special program of events every weekend and school holidays.

Address - 6 College Street, Sydney (opposite Hyde Park).

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