The post Award-winning nature photography comes the Museum of the Goldfields appeared first on CAMD.

NSW History Week returns from Saturday 5 September to Sunday 13 September 2026, bringing together events held across the state under this year’s theme, “Keeping Stories.” The program moves history out of the archives and into the public eye, with talks, lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, heritage trails and exhibitions designed to bring the past to life.

Working Harbour: Early Industrial Heritage from the Water

Presented by: Australian National Maritime Museum, in partnership with Sydney Heritage Fleet
Heritage vessel cruise on Sydney Harbour. Talks on the people, industries and waterways connected to Sydney’s maritime and industrial history
Tickets: Eventbrite

The Stories of Us: Researching Family History in the NSW State Archives Collection

Date/time: Wednesday 9 September, 10am–12pm
Location: State Archives Reading Room, 161 O’Connell Street, Kingswood
Cost: Free (registration required)
Talk by NSW State Archives archivists on researching family history, including convict-era arrivals and information found in court and divorce records. Optional behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Western Sydney Records Centre follows (reasonable fitness level required)
Registration: mhnsw.au

Leaving Only Memories: The Loss of Burdekin House (Tour)

Date/time: Friday 11 September, 10.30am–11.30am
Location: Caroline Simpson Library, The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: Free (registration required)
Guide: Mel Flyte, MHNSW Collection Discovery Assistant
Burdekin House was built in 1841 on Macquarie Street for merchant Thomas Burdekin and was regarded as a notable example of colonial architecture. It was demolished in 1933, an event that contributed to the growth of the NSW heritage movement and the preservation of sites including the Hyde Park Barracks and The Mint. Tour of architectural remnants, artworks and photographs of the house.
Registration: mhnsw.au

Contested Ground: What Do We Do Now? (Panel Discussion)

Date/time: Wednesday 9 September, 6pm–7pm
Location: Museum of Sydney
Cost: Free (registration required)
Presented by: Museums of History NSW, as part of History Week
A panel of archaeologists discussing policies for protecting archaeological artefacts uncovered during urban development, questions of who determines their value and future, and responsibility for their preservation and management.
Registration: mhnsw.au

Full event listings are available through Museums of History NSW.

The post NSW History Week 2026 appeared first on CAMD.

ICOM Australia Executive Board Members are elected for a two-year term and Membership of the Board is limited to six consecutive years. 2026 is an election year and several Board positions have become vacant. Only current financial ICOM Australia members can nominate and/or stand (includes Institutional representatives). In the event that more than one nomination is received for a position(s), a ballot will be conducted.

Nomination forms should include a brief biography, motivations and suitability for the role, location, motivation for nominating and perceptions of ICOM.

ICOM Australia Executive Board Nomination form

Nominations should be lodged with an accompanying 1 page CV by 5.00pm AEST Sunday 20 September 2026 with the National Secretary, ICOM Australia via email: info@icom.org.au

The post Nominate for the ICOM Australia Executive Board appeared first on CAMD.

19 individuals and teams recognised across the categories of Research & Innovation, Leadership, Science Engagement and School Science.

The 2026 winners of the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes have been announced. 19 Eureka Prizes were awarded alongside the Australian Museum Research Institute Medal, on an incredible night celebrating scientific excellence. As the world faces new challenges, Australian scientists continue to build bridges between disciplines and translate complex discoveries into solutions that benefit society.

The post 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners appeared first on CAMD.

4 September 2026, Sydney: The Australian Museum (AM) has announced the appointment of renowned molecular biologist Professor Merlin Crossley AM as Chief Scientist of the Australian Museum. Professor Crossley is currently UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academic Quality and previously DVC Education and as Dean of Science. He is a molecular biologist, specialising in using CRISPR gene editing to understand and treat human genetic diseases. He is also a dedicated supporter of science communication and research.

The post Merlin Crossley appointed Chief Scientist of the Australian Museum appeared first on CAMD.

First exhibited in Geneva, Switzerland, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is now set to welcome the international touring exhibition LOVING this month in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia.

When Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell discovered an old photograph of two men in love at an antique store in Dallas, Texas, 25 years ago, they had no idea how profoundly it would change their lives – and illuminate a hidden history.

That single image sparked a global journey, taking them across the United States, Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia and Asia in search of photographs capturing men in love.

Guided by what they call “the unmistakable look” of love, Nini and Treadwell searched flea markets, auction houses, family albums and online collections. Over time, they assembled more than 4,000 images of male couples taken between the 1850s and 1950s – quiet, tender portraits of connection that defied convention and were often kept hidden.

Captured at a time when same-sex relationships were often criminalised or socially condemned, LOVING brings long-hidden stories into the light through hundreds of rare and intimate photographs dating from the 1850s to the 1950s.

In 2020, their ground breaking book LOVING: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850s–1950s brought hundreds of these photographs to public view, revealing the depth and universality of love across generations. “For the first time,” Nini reflected, “these people, these couples, get to speak for themselves.”

The exhibition also invites reflection on the fight for equality and freedom by drawing on the histories and values shared by the EU and Australia.

Through LOVING, the EU and Australia reaffirm their shared commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. By preserving and presenting these histories, both acknowledge the importance of remembering the past to inform a more inclusive future.

Ambassador of the European Union to Australia Gabriele Visentin said LOVING is a universal message, as love knows no boundaries or borders.

“These photographs capture moments of tenderness between men that could not be shown publicly, yet their message is loud and clear: happiness and love are possible, even in times of silence and fear. And with this exhibition, we honour their courage.”

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the exhibition was an incredible display of resilience and strength.

“To welcome this exhibition to Launceston – in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia – is a wonderful thing for our City,” Mayor Garwood said.

“I’d encourage our community and visitors exploring Launnie to take a trip to the Art Gallery to discover this show while it’s on display – it will be well worth the trip.”

QVMAG Director Jonathan McBurnie said the exhibition would be a fantastic addition to the Art Gallery’s Winter/Spring program.

“Welcoming touring shows from across Australia and the globe takes a lot of planning, coordination and preparation,” McBurnie said.

“Working with the EU Delegation to bring this show to Tasmania has been a fantastic experience and one that we’re both extremely passionate about.

“Our team work hard each year to deliver a diverse line up of collection-based and touring shows for our audiences, and we can’t wait to welcome our visitors from across Tasmania, the nation and the globe to this phenomenal display.”

IMAGE: Photomaton, United States, non date. 27 x 32 mm. Courtesy of the Nini-Treadwell collection. © Loving by 5 Continents Editions.

The post Celebrating hidden tales of love from across the globe appeared first on CAMD.

The oversized tracks appeared ahead of Dinosaurs: Surviving Extinction, opening at Tūhura on 5 September, their largest exhibition in 18 months.

Tūhura Otago Museum Marketing Manager Charlie Buchan said dinosaurs had consistently been among the Museum’s biggest drawcards.

“Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? They’re one of the first things you think of when you think of museums. It’s crazy to imagine these giant creatures once walked the Earth, and even cooler to see them up close without the risk of being eaten.”

“We’re hoping our friends from across Otago and Southland will bring the family to Dunedin to see it. It’s been almost a couple of years since we’ve had an exhibition of this scale, and it’s definitely worth the trip.”

Produced by Gondwana Studios, the exhibition explores how dinosaurs did not entirely disappear during the mass extinction around 66 million years ago, with one lineage surviving and evolving into modern birds.

Visitors will compare three dinosaur groups and examine the evidence linking dinosaurs and birds. Displays include a Probactrosaurus measuring more than three metres long, a juvenile Oviraptor, a Teratophoneus skull and interactive areas.

Design and Exhibitions Manager Shanaya Cunningham said the exhibition had been a particularly fun project to work on.

“I’ve done so much dinosaur research for this project that I’m starting to feel a bit like Ross Geller from Friends. I’m basically a palaeontologist now.”

The University of Otago is the exhibition’s premier partner, with its Geology Department also involved in events and activities during the exhibition’s four-month stay in Dunedin.

Cunningham said people could expect to see the dinosaurs extend beyond the Museum.

“We’ve got some great ideas up our sleeves. The footprints at St Kilda are a bit of a taste of what people can expect. We want dinosaurs popping up in some unexpected places while the exhibition is here.”

The post Dinosaurs return to Dunedin appeared first on CAMD.

ACMI is delighted to present the world premiere of Lifelike – a joyful, surprising and deeply human exhibition celebrating the magic of on-screen puppetry in all its forms. Sure to tug at the heartstrings and spark wonder, nostalgia, fear and fascination Lifelike invites audiences behind the scenes to explore how memorable movie characters come to life.

Opening on 20 November, the ACMI-curated exhibition features original puppets, rarely seen sketches, concept art and behind-the-scenes materials from screen worlds including Pinocchio, Anomalisa, Jurassic Park, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, the Alien series, Jim Henson’s The Muppets and Australian television favourites including Agro and Ozzie Ostrich from the 1980s and 1990s.

ACMI Director & CEO Seb Chan said: “We are delighted to present the ACMI-curated Lifelike exhibition this summer, which gives adventurous and inquisitive visitors the opportunity to go behind the scenes to explore and revisit how some of the most memorable on-screen characters from the 1970s to now come to life through practical FX and puppetry. We know this exhibition will bring excitement, delight and occasional fright to visitors, and will help inspire the next generation of screen storytellers to imagine the possibility of world creating and handmade craft on screen.”

Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said: “This is exactly the kind of world-class cultural experience that makes Victoria the creative capital of Australia. ACMI continues to prove why it’s one of our state’s most important cultural institutions, drawing visitors from across the country and supporting local jobs in our screen and creative industries.”

Through dedicated thematic sections and experiences, the exhibition unpacks the role of imagination, iconic characters, illusions, nostalgia, terror and emotional bonds.

Trace the evolution of puppetry in filmmaking through the mischievous adventures of Pinocchio. Featuring a wooden Pinocchio from the 1970s, plus posters, production materials, and the original Pinocchio and Geppetto puppets from Guillermo del Toro’s 2022 stop-motion film, visitors are invited into the story of one of cinema’s most beloved characters.

Explore the works of acclaimed filmmaker Charlie Kaufman, including marionettes from quirky fan-favourite film Being John Malkovich, plus behind-the-scenes content and both protagonist puppets from stop-motion masterpiece Anomalisa.

Spring into the wild imagination of Jim Henson with four original puppets including Sherlock Hemlock, Brad and Bertha from Sesame Street, screen content and concept sketches from The Muppet Show, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Try your hand at on-screen puppetry with an interactive experience inspired by the techniques pioneered by Henson, which highlights the craft behind the creations.

Dive into the world of fantastic creatures with a video essay about digital puppetry and the giants of the big screen featuring Jurassic Park, alongside King Kong and Godzilla. Then explore rare concept sketches from beloved Spielberg creation, E.T.

Brave visitors can face their fears and learn how animatronics work by bringing an Alien Facehugger puppet to life, explore the creepy crawly with an original puppet from the movie Sting, and dive into the fear of the unknown with a dedicated experience in the Nightmare Room. Featuring synchronised screens, sound, movement and shadows, the line between screen and reality thrillingly blurs with The Babadook, Annabelle and Chucky, placing the visitor in the role of the protagonist in this fun and frightening experience.

Step out of the Nightmare Room into 1980s and 1990s nostalgia with a section focused on Australian TV. The wholesome and fun display features puppets and screen content from titles including Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Agro and The Ferals.

Lifelike is proudly supported by Major Technology Partner Panasonic, Major University Partner RMIT University and Official Hotel Partner Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.

The post ACMI comes alive this November with Lifelike appeared first on CAMD.

CAMD Curated is our new series for the curious mind. Each edition, leaders and future leaders from across our network share what they’re reading, watching, listening to, imagining, and learning; opening new sources of inspiration for our wider community.

Kim McKay AO / Director and CEO / Chair
Australian Museum / CAMD

LISTENING TO:
I’m obsessed with The Rest is Politics, with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, which is great for keeping up with global politics from a British perspective. I also love The Rest is History, with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. Both wonderful, both very different podcasts.

VISITING:
I’ve been in Sydney almost the whole time these past few months, so I’ve made the most of it: the Art Gallery of NSW for the Avatar: Forms of Vishnu exhibition, and the MCA for Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir and Primavera 2026. I think the programming is first-rate under the new director, Suzanne Cotter.

IMAGINING:
I’m hoping for a white Christmas with a trip to France and Italy in December. I’m also heading to Barcelona in October for our Sharks exhibition opening.

LEARNING:
With the Australian Museum’s 200th anniversary next year, I’ve been deep in its history, reviewing our one-hour documentary on the museum’s story. After twelve years here, I thought I knew it well, but this has let me go much deeper. The film really captures the essence of the Australian Museum.

You’ve been Chair of CAMD since the start of the year, alongside twelve years as Director and CEO of the Australian Museum. What are you working on at the moment?
One major project has been the repatriation of ancestral remains to Rapa Nui. The Australian Museum holds hundreds of ancestral remains in its collection, some First Nations Australians, and some from the Pacific.

The Rapa Nui Ancestors was our largest repatriation yet: seventeen ancestral remains, carried out in close partnership with the Rapa Nui community, who visited us twice during the process. It was a remarkable effort by our team, particularly Melissa Malu (Head of Pasifika Collections and Engagement) and Dr Nick Skilton (Senior Restricted Collections and Repatriation Officer) who coordinated it.

We’re also deep in planning for the 200th anniversary next March, announcing the program in October, with a few surprises in store, and I’m looking forward to having CAMD colleagues join us for some of those activities.

Has your approach to fundraising or sponsorship shifted in recent years?
Only in that, like every museum, we now need to raise more than ever from external sources. 35% of our annual budget comes from external sources in addition to government funding. The bicentenary has given us a natural reason to go back to partners and ask for support for some larger initiatives. The last time I ran a campaign like this was for our one hundred and ninetieth anniversary, everyone laughed and asked why I’d celebrate a “one-ninety.” My answer: why not? It’s a reason to engage donors and partners and coalesce around a common goal.

What’s exciting you in the museum sector right now?
Digital integration, not just in exhibitions, but in how we work day-to-day: AI in museums, a sharper visitor focus, and growing visitation across school groups and international visitors, who now make up about thirty-four percent of our annual numbers. We’re investing in creating digital content for the future and very focused on data analytics.

About Kim McKay AO
Kim McKay is Director and CEO of the Australian Museum. She became the first woman appointed to the role in the AM’s 190+ year history in 2014, and has led a broad transformation program including the $57.5m Project Discover renovation, overseeing a collection of over 22 million natural science specimens and cultural objects.

With a background in marketing and communications, she previously held senior roles in US non-fiction television for Discovery Channel and National Geographic, co-founded the Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World campaigns in the 1990s with UNEP, and co-authored five True Green books.

Kim holds a BA Communications from UTS, where she now serves on Council, and Honorary Doctorates of Science from the University of Wollongong (2022) and UTS (2023). She also chaired the NSW Government’s Museums and History Art Form Board for four years and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2008 for her service to the environment and the community.

The post CAMD / CURATED : Kim McKay AO appeared first on CAMD.

The Museums Victoria Research Institute is holding a conference and two workshops to support wildlife conservation and research in Australia.

The events are supported by the Australian Academy of Science’s Boden Research Conference award and held in collaboration with international experts in cell culture and cryopreservation.

Dates: Conference 7–9 September 2026 | Workshop 1: Tissue sampling for cell culture – 1.00–5.00pm Wednesday 9 September 2026 | Workshop 2: Lab techniques for cell culture – 9.00am–5.00pm 10–11 September 2026
Venue: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton Gardens, VIC
Cost: Conference registration – $250 full, $100 student concession | Workshop 1 – $100 | Workshop 2 – $350
Online and in-person options.

Visit the conference website for more information.

The post 2026 Boden Research Conference appeared first on CAMD.