The Australian Sports Museum has achieved national recognition for its state-of-the-art upgrade at the 2020 Museum and Galleries National Awards (MAGNAs), claiming top prize in the Permanent Exhibition or Gallery fitout category.
Located at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Australian Sports Museum re-opened in February 2020 following a six month closure and a $17 million redevelopment, funded by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Victorian Government.From touch screens and avatars, to climbable objects and sporting challenges, the redesigned space lives up to its aim of being ‘no ordinary museum’.
With a focus on cutting edge technology and immersive experiences, the Australian Sports Museum brings the stories of Australian sport to life in a playful and unique way, encouraging visitors to be truly a part of the action.
Featuring 95 different sports across seven galleries spanning the grassroots through to the elite, an even split of male and female representation and greater inclusion of Indigenous Australian sporting history, the new museum also reflects the diversity of Australia and allows visitors to see themselves in the content.
Chair of the Australian Sports Museum Ltd Board, Clare Cannon, said the award was a fantastic acknowledgement for the project.
“The Melbourne Cricket Club is incredibly proud to be custodians of not just the MCG but of so much of Australia’s sporting history,” she said.
“We are thrilled to be able to share the stories of Australian sporting culture and the ways sport has shaped our national identity in an exciting new museum, one which makes visitors feel inspired, engaged and included.”
“The Australian Sports Museum really has been a labour of love for so many people, and that passion and commitment is reflected in the final product,” she said.
Jed Smith, MCC Manager of Museum and Heritage Services, echoed Ms Cannon’s sentiment.
“There have been countless people involved in bringing the vision of the Australian Sports Museum to life and this award truly belongs to all of them,” he said.
“We are particularly grateful to our partners, including the Victorian Government and the major sporting bodies for their support, and we can’t wait to hopefully welcome visitors back to the museum soon.”
The MAGNAs aim to encourage the continuous improvement and development of Australian museums and galleries, inspire and recognise best practice and innovation in the collecting sector and enhance the profile of museums and galleries in local and wider communities.
Categories for the awards include: indigenous project or keeping place, research, permanent exhibition or gallery fitout, temporary or travelling exhibition and interpretation, learning and audience engagement.
The Sydney Living Museum’s ‘Hyde Park Barracks Renewal’ project was also named a winner in the same permanent exhibition or gallery fitout category as the Australian Sports Museum.
A full list of winners and commended entries can be viewed at amaga.org.au/magna-2020.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Australian Sports Museum has been temporarily closed since March. Advice on reopening dates will be communicated via the Australian Sports Museum website and social media channels.
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