Le Museum of Melbourne

The team went on a little tour of the Museum of Melbourne at a time when I was as pale as death and thus, was unable to join the fun. #tears

However, thanks to Rachel for letting us know that students get in for free so I went on my own little trip, though in a much haste as I had only half an hour to spare. And boy did I get out of that museum sweating like an Olaf.

What ARTEFACTS indication particular notions of place?
Can I say the entire place? But as a history nut, I was moved by the WWI: Love and Sorrow exhibition. Particularly the objects, the posters and photographs and the stories behind them all were profoundly affecting. It was both a sobering and reverential exhibition and really felt Hornstein’s claim of the inseparability of memory and place during that time. Very moving.

I like the dinosaur exhibit too. I think Marcus mentioned that they didn’t have time to go to the dinosaur exhibit but I so very much did! And the insect exhibitions were gross.

What elements on display are distinctly Melbourne?

What could be more Melbourne than the public transport life, particularly our good ol’ tram system. There was the West Gate bridge as well and some of the more known Melbourne city-streets. I think I remember reading this on Steph’s blog, but I also adored the model of the interior of the Capital Theatre. I adore vintage films, the whole classic look and impression. I was moved. I felt as though I was transported right at that time!

What have you noticed about WAYFINDING techniques used throughout the exhibition?
A lot more descriptive than imagined, but I expected it to be.

How does the Museum deal with ‘difficult” or “tragic” stories?
In a very clinical fashion. Forget festooned stories to wash the soul  in tragic increments. Cold, hard facts, no opinions, “this is what happened” and “it was sad” and that was it. Some could say it’s a little cold, but I think it’s perfect to deal with tragedies in this way. And I credit the Melbourne Museum in doing so in this fashion because no one wants to be bombarded by undercurrent political sentiments.

What “media” do they use to tell the stories?

Very similar to most museums and exhibitions I’ve been to. Soundscapes, alien-like body pods (those are real cool!), maps, interactive “peepholes”, documentaries and the like.