The National Sports Museum, home of Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia, will be renamed the Australian Sports Museum when it reopens next month, following a $17 million upgrade.
Australians are being encouraged to leap into the museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday 29 February – 2020’s leap day – in order to be among the first to explore the interactive and unique exhibits.
With a focus on cutting edge technology and immersive experiences, the Australian Sports Museum will bring the stories of Australian sport to life in a fun and playful way, encouraging visitors to be a part of the action as they explore all facets of Australian sporting culture.
From touch screens and avatars, to climbable objects and sporting challenges, visitors will explore, play and discover their way through the Olympics, Australian football, cricket, horse racing and more, uncovering how grassroots and elite sport shapes Australian lives and our national identity.
The Australian Sports Museum will also feature a number of special faces sharing first-hand accounts of their sporting story.
A highlight amongst these will be a life-size 3D hologram of dual AFL Premiership and Richmond Star Bachar Houli. The All-Australian defender will talk candidly with visitors, taking them through his experiences at the elite AFL level, from the emotions of first being drafted, through to Richmond’s 2017 fairy tale flag.
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) are the custodians and managers of the home of Australian sport, the MCG, and also the Australian Sports Museum.
MCC President Michael Happell said the Club takes its role seriously in honouring the significant and remarkable history that is celebrated in the new Australian Sports Museum and was looking forward to unveiling the exciting new offering.
“Whether you are playing at the grassroots or witnessing the greats, sport is all about passion, excitement and energy, and that is exactly what we are delivering with the new Australian Sports Museum.
“Through new technology and creative, ever-changing displays, visitors will be able to experience, not just observe, the stories and moments that make up Australia’s sporting identity,” he said.
The official opening day will feature a number of special offers and activities to further enhance the experience for kids and adults alike.
“While there will still of course be plenty of fascinating artefacts on show, the Australian Sports Museum definitely doesn’t feel like a museum in a traditional sense. It’s an experience that all Australians and visitors will enjoy and we can’t wait to share it,” said Mr Happell.
Tickets for the Australian Sports Museum are available from 9am on Friday 17 January via australiansportsmuseum.org.au
