Crystal clear future for Australian Museum

The new “Crystal Hall” visitor entrance to the Australian Museum today opened to the public, completing Stage one of a major upgrade to the nation’s first museum.

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts Troy Grant were joined at the opening by Museum Executive Director & CEO Kim McKay.

“The Australian Museum is one of the nation’s foremost scientific and educational institutions and today marks an important milestone in its history,” Mr Baird said.

“After almost 150 years on College Street the main entrance has moved to William Street where the floating glass Crystal Hall pavilion improves accessibility and the visitor experience.

“A good first impression lasts and the new Crystal Hall does just that.”

Mr Grant said today’s official opening marks the completion of Stage One of the Australian Museum upgrade.

“The NSW Government committed $2.5 million for Stage one of the rejuvenation, aimed at improving the experience of visitors to the museum,” Mr Grant said.

“As well as the new entrance, a new ground floor gallery space has opened and a new rooftop café takes advantage of the museum’s spectacular views over the city.

“Our investment, along with the recently announced Kids FREE initiative and world class exhibitions like the new Wild Planet, ensure the Australian Museum is one of Sydney’s top tourist destinations,” Mr Grant said.

Ms McKay said the opening of Crystal Hall and Wild Planet were the first steps in building the Australian Museum of the future.

“We will be delivering our vision for the future to the NSW Government in the next few weeks that will detail our plans for the next phase of the transformation of the Australian Museum’s historic site,” Ms McKay said.