Behind every specimen is a story. Meet the scientists bringing Melbourne Museum’s collections to life this National Science Week.
Step into the heart of scientific discovery at Science on Show — Melbourne Museum's annual celebration of National Science Week. For one special day, meet the minds behind the Museum as scientists, researchers and collection experts share fascinating stories, rare specimens and surprising discoveries.
Explore hands-on displays, pop-up talks and family-friendly activities throughout the Museum, then gather at our central stage for live quizzes, music, storytime sessions and expert presentations. Young budding scientists can also join a special gardening workshop to learn about healthy soil and plant their own native seedling to take home.
From ancient fossils to living species, mineral marvels to museum treasures, there is something to spark curiosity in every visitor. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience science up close and discover how it shapes our understanding of the world.
Included with museum entry
Adult $18
Senior $12
Child 16 Years & Under Free
Members Free
Date & Time
Saturday 22 August
9am to 4pm
PROGRAM
Explore
Get up close with fascinating objects and specimens from our collections. Meet the experts, ask questions, and explore the science behind the displays.
Discover the skill, science and craftsmanship behind preparing museum specimens, models and objects for research and display.
What can bones and skins tell us? Explore museum specimens and discover the incredible story of animals through time.
Discover how scientists use sound recordings to detect and monitor one of Australia's most elusive mammals in the wild.
Journey through the evolution of snakes and lizards and discover their remarkable anatomy through stunning 3D images and models.
Get hands-on with a cell counter and see how scientists measure, study and preserve life at its tiniest scale.
Get hands-on with meteorites and discover what these ancient space rocks reveal about our Solar System.
Journey into the world of volcanoes and uncover how scientists use volcanic rocks to investigate Earth's fiery past and future.
Meet a fascinating collection of live native animals and discover the remarkable diversity of Australia's wildlife.
Discover the incredible diversity of spineless animals and the surprising stories hidden within Melbourne Museum's invertebrate collections.
Discover
The Discovery Stage is your destination for live science throughout the day. Hear from museum experts, watch demonstrations, enjoy storytime, join creative activities and test your knowledge in interactive audience challenges.
What can a grain of rock reveal? Join Oskar Lindenmeyer to explore the hidden world of microscopic minerals and discover how cutting-edge imaging techniques help scientists identify, map and better understand the building blocks of our planet.
Did you know forests cover around 17% of Australia’s land area? Join the Scienceworks team to discover the incredible plants, animals and microscopic life that call our forests home, and explore how every living thing plays an important role in these remarkable ecosystems.
Journey beneath the surface of ancient fossils with Dr Rolf Schmidt as a scanning electron microscope reveals extraordinary details invisible to the naked eye. Discover how these hidden microscopic structures are helping scientists unlock stories preserved for millions of years.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the announcement of Victoria’s famous prehistoric whale, Janjucetus. Join palaeontologist Dr Erich Fitzgerald to hear the remarkable story behind its discovery and learn how this extraordinary fossil changed our understanding of whale evolution.
How much do you know about the natural world? Put your knowledge to the test in this fast-paced, family-friendly quiz exploring the kookiest, strangest and most amazing animals on Our Wondrous Planet. There are prizes up for grabs, so gather your team and join the challenge.
Think you’ve got what it takes to narrate the natural world? Step up to the microphone and put your best Sir David Attenborough impression to the test as you provide live commentary over hilarious wildlife footage. Whether you follow the script or make it up as you go, it’s all about having fun!
What was Victoria like when dinosaurs roamed the land? Join palaeontologist Dr Thomas Rich as he reveals the extraordinary evidence that dinosaurs lived through periods of extreme cold in an ancient polar landscap
Join author and illustrator Jess McGeachin for a special edition of Story Seekers. Through captivating stories and beautiful illustrations, discover the wonders of the natural world and the curiosity that inspires great adventures.
What can one small mouse teach us about protecting entire ecosystems? Dr Kevin Rowe explores how research into the endangered Gariwerd Smoky Mouse is helping scientists understand biodiversity loss and guide future conservation.
Go behind the scenes of Melbourne Museum’s remarkable library collections. Discover fascinating stories from the Rare Book Collection and learn why museum libraries remain an essential part of scientific research and preserving our shared history.
Heaviest. Longest. Rarest. Loudest? Blue whales may be the largest animal in the known universe, but their greatest secrets aren't measured in metres or tonnes. Join whale expert Dr Erich Fitzgerald on this guided walking tour and explore the museum’s iconic Blue Whale skeleton up close.
Create
Roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on activities. Perfect for curious kids and creative minds of all ages
Continue your Science on Show adventure in this hands-on workshop exploring the hidden science of seeds and soil. Plant a native seed to take home and discover how tiny beginnings help shape our natural world. Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your place.
Grab a pencil and let your creativity run wild. Join a guided drawing session and discover how careful observation can help bring the amazing animals of Our Wondrous Planet to life.
Gallery
Related events
More National Science Week events from Scienceworks and Melbourne Museum
ACCESSIBILITY
Please view our accessibility page for general information. A sensory map of Melbourne Museum can be found on our Visual Stories page where step-by-step visual and written access guides are available. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at mvbookings@museum.vic.gov.au to discuss how we can support your visit.
