Australian Museum attracts one million visitors for second year running

Sydney, Monday 1 January, 2024: Ongoing free general entry, a blockbuster Egyptian show, Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs, a new permanent Pasifika Gallery, Wansolmoana and an award-winning children’s play space, Burra, have combined to deliver the Australian Museum (AM) a million visitors for the second year in a row.

According to AM Director and CEO Kim McKay AO, the unprecedented visitation is a result of the AMs expert curators, educators, visitor experience teams and marketers coming together to provide the public with a diverse and engaging program.

“Offering ongoing free general entry to the public has also been a critical factor and we’re very appreciative to offer this due to the NSW’s Government’s support. Welcoming another one million people to the AM demonstrates that we’re delivering great programs to local and international audiences alike,” McKay said.

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, exclusively presented in Sydney at the AM, has not only had record visitation numbers but also received glowing reviews.

Art critic, Nine, John McDonald said “Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs was a superior presentation and will be enjoyed by a lot of people.”

The AM is committed to ensuring that people of all backgrounds have access to high quality experiences which includes a rich program of talks, activities and events designed to give visitors of all ages a richer understanding about Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs.

AM Highlight Tours

Free volunteer-led introductory tours of the AM’s permanent galleries including Westpac Long Gallery, Wild Planet, First Nations, Minerals and Dinosaurs. Dates: Mon – Fri. Time: 10.30am, 1pm. Cost: Free.

Dinosaurs Gallery and Wild Planet

Explore the AM Dinosaur and Wild Planet galleries with an explorer backpack filled with hands on activities such as field guides, magnifying glasses and questionnaires to test the knowledge of your little explorer. Ages: 6 – 8 Yrs. Cost: $8.

Burra Learning Space

In Burra, young and young at heart visitors can learn about Burra, which means eel in the First Nations language of Sydney. With a range of activities such as singing, games and talks AM educators guide and teach children and families about the environment and how to care for our country using Western science and First Nations knowledge. These school holidays, children will be taught about the Ibis bird – a common sight in Sydney, and in Egypt! Free guided activities commence at 10am each day.

Accessible and inclusive events at the AM

The AM has a range of onsite accessible programs for deaf and autistic people, as well as online audio description guides to help assist blind and low vision visitors enjoy our permanent exhibitions and special events such as; Early Birds: Autism and sensory-friendly mornings, Enjoy the AM in a relaxed and supportive environment. Date: Sat 19 Feb & 4 May, 2024. Time: 8am - 10am. Cost: Free.

Also, every Ramses programming talk offers an Auslan-interpretated session. The AM is proud to offer a range of onsite accessible programs for deaf and autistic people as well as online audio description guides to help assist blind and low vision visitors enjoy our permanent exhibitions and special events. Please see the AM’s accessible page for more information;

a dedicated accessible events page on the AM’s website.

Events for Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs

● Saturday Lectures – Exploring Ancient Egypt is a deep dive for lovers of all things Egypt: monthly until 27 April 2024

● Tomb Talks include canapes, drinks and Q&A with an Egypt expert: the second Tuesday of the month until 14 May 2024

● Egypt – in Conversation feature talks hosted by journalists: the second Wednesday of the month until 8 May 2024

● Breakfast Behind the Scenes – Egypt Unearthed includes shakshuka, a talk and a VIP tour: the third Wednesday of every month from 17 January until 20 March 2024

The Egyptian "Conquest" of Nubia

Dr Aaron de Souza unpacks the tumultuous relationship between Egypt and Nubia that Ramses II inherited. Where did this tension come from and how did both sides exist under such long-term conflict? A fascinating and complex story of cooperation and coexistence. Date: Saturday 27 Jan 2024, Time: 10.30am - 11.30am, Ages: 16+, Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35,

Monumental Architecture: The Egyptian Temple

Macquarie University’s Dr Gillian Smith celebrates the architectural enormity of the Ramesside period with her exploration of Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum & Luxor’s Karnak Temple Complex. Date: Sat 24 Feb 2024, Time: 10.30am - 11.30am, Ages: 16+, Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35,

Ramses Street: Ancient Egypt in Colonial Australia

Join digital art historian Dr Alex Woods and archaeologist Candace Richards for the fifth of our Saturday Lecture Series, where we explore the entwined histories of Egypt and early modern Australia, in an effort to understand how Egypt’s cultural heritage found its way Down Under. Date: Sat 23 March 2024, Time: 10.30am - 11.30am, Ages: 16+, Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35

It’s Alive! Ancient Egypt in Popular Culture

Travel with archaeologist Dr Craig Barker on a journey to Ancient Egypt…via Hollywood. Exploring everything from horror and sci-fi to romance and historic biopics. Did they reflect the “real” Egypt? Date: Wed 10 Jan 2024, Time: 12pm - 1pm, Ages: 16+, Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35.

Solving a Museum Mystery

Macquarie University bioarchaeologist Professor Ronika Power and Egyptologist Dr Conni Lord chat about uncovering the mystery of Mer-Neith-Ites, whose mummified remains were discovered in a sarcophagus at Sydney University. Date: Wed 14 Feb 2024, Time: 12pm - 1pm, Ages: 16+, Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35.

Hieroglyphs: Preserving Identity for Eternity

Self-confessed Egyptophile AJ Lamarque sits down with Macquarie University’s Dr Ellen Ryan to examine her insights into ancient Egyptians’ use of hieroglyphic texts to immortalise their identity for eternity. There will be Auslan interpretation provided for this event. Date: Wed 13 Mar 2024, Time: 12pm - 1pm, Ages: 16+, Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35.

How to Excavate an Ancient Egyptian Tomb

ABC broadcaster Simon Marnie chats with Egyptologist Professor Martin Bommas about the little- known aspects of archaeology and what it really takes to discover, excavate and restore a pyramid. Date: Wed 10 April 2024, Time: 12pm - 1pm, Ages: 16+, Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35.

The Secrets of the World’s First Peace Treaty

In the final of our Egypt - In Conversation series, join us for this fascinating conversation about the Treaty of Ramses II of Egypt and Hattušili II of Hatti featuring Macquarie University Egyptologist Dr Camilla Di-Biase Dyson. Date: Wed 8 May 2024, Time: 12pm - 1pm, Ages: 16+ Location: UG Theatre, Australian Museum Cost: Member $28, non-Member $35,

Reuse & Recycling in Ancient Egypt

The second event in the Tomb Talks series explores the age-old question - when is it acceptable to break up and reuse someone else's coffin for your own? Dates: Tues 9 Jan 2024, Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm or 7pm - 9pm, Ages: 18+, Location: LG, Members Lounge, Australian Museum Cost: Member $140, non-Member $175, Concession $157.50

CSI: Egypt

Explore science facts and science fiction as bioarchaeologist Professor Ronika Power sits down with self-professed Egyptophile and comedian AJ Lamarque to explore life (and death) on the Nile. Dates: Tues 13 Feb 2024, Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm or 7pm - 9pm, Ages: 18+, Location: LG, Members Lounge, Australian Museum Cost: Member $140, non-Member $175, Concession $157.50

Jewels of the Nile

Join Dr Aaron de Souza and Dr Julien Cooper as they chat with Chau Chak Wing Museum’s Dr Craig Barker in an attempt to unravel the political and economic webs that drove the pharaohs’ insatiable hunger for gold. Dates: Tues 12 March 2024, Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm or 7pm - 9pm, Ages: 18+, Location: LG, Members Lounge, Australian Museum Cost: Member $140, non-Member $175, Concession $157.50

Ramesside Love Songs and Poetry

Dr Julia Hamilton sits down with award-winning poet and author Sara Saleh (Host) to celebrate the ancient art of love.Dates: Tues 9 April 2024, Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm or 7pm - 9pm, Ages: 18+, Location: LG, Members Lounge, Australian Museum Cost: Member $140, non-Member $175, Concession $157.50

Crypts and Robbers: Excavating the Tombs

Discover the challenges of excavating the Tombs of Ramesside officials… and find out who got there first. Dates: Tues 14 May 2024, Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm & 7pm - 9pm, Ages: 18+, Location: LG, Members Lounge, Australian Museum Cost: Member $140, non-Member $175, Concession $157.50

Lessons from the Dead: Tales of a Bioarcheologist

After an Egyptian-inspired shakshuka breakfast, join charismatic bioarchaeologist Prof. Ronika Power as she provides unique reflections on research and ethics, and how dying in Ancient Egypt helps us to better understand the lived experience of people from the past, and connect with them as individuals. Date: Wed 17 Jan 2024, Time: 7.30am - 9am, Ages: 16+, Location: G, Brian Sherman Crystal Hall, Australian Museum Cost: Member $200, non-Member $250, Concession $225

Ancient Egypt, Modern Curatorship

Sit down for breakfast with Dr Melanie Pitkin, the Senior Curator at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, and explore the ethics of museums, provenance and ownership histories. Date: Wed 21 Feb 2024, Time: 7.30am - 9am, Ages: 16+, Location: G, Brian Sherman Crystal Hall, Australian Museum Cost: Member $200, non-Member $250, Concession $225

Digging up the Past - The Tombs of the Pharaoh's Officials

Discover Ancient Egypt with archaeologist and Director of the Australian Centre for Egyptology, Dr Karin Sowada, as she provides this exclusive behind the scenes glimpse of her life helping to unravel the mysteries of the past. Dates: Wed 20 March 2024, Time: 7.30am - 9am, Ages: 16+, Location: G, Brian Sherman Crystal Hall, Australian Museum Cost: Member $200, non-Member $250, Concession $225

Egyptian Pottery

Step into the shoes of an ancient Egyptian sculptor and craft your very own canopic jar from clay, guided by visual artist and art educator, Tamara Gulic Phoenix. Ages 5 - 8 years: Tue 9 Jan & Wed 10 Jan, 10am – 12pm Ages 9 - 12 years: Tues 9 Jan, 1.30pm – 3.30pm Ages 13 - 16 years: Wed 10 Jan, 1.30pm – 3.30pm Location: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum Cost: $52 Members, $65 non-Members Creative Kid Voucher accepted.

Scientist for a Day: Archaeologist

Embark on a journey into the world of archaeology, led by Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Judith Field. Discover the fascinating realm of archaeology and delve into the depths of history. Ages: 9-12 years, Dates: Thurs 11 Jan & Fri 12 Jan, Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm, Location: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum Cost: $120 Members, $150 non-Members

Building Blocks of History

In this fun STEM-based workshop, learn through play about the fascinating world of pyramid building, ignite your creativity and get a deeper understanding of space and dimensions. Ages 5 - 8 years Mon 15 Jan & Tues 16 Jan, 10.30am – 12pm Ages 9 - 12 years Mon 15 Jan & Tues 16 Jan, 1pm – 2.30pm Location: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum Cost: $36 Members, $45 non-Members

Readers Theatre: Ramses and Nefertari

Explore Ramses the Great's world in an interactive dramatic play workshop, delving into Ancient Egypt's history for an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. This workshop is a perfect opportunity to strengthen teamwork skills as you collaborate with others to read, select props, and plan your performance. Ages 9 - 12 years: Thurs 18 Jan, 10am – 11.30am Ages 13 - 16 years: Thurs 18 Jan, 1pm – 2.30pm. Location: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum Cost: $24 Members, $30 non-Members

Scientist for a Day: Wildlife Geneticist

Join us for an unforgettable exploration of the animal kingdom's DNA! In this hands-on workshop, journey into the world of wildlife genetics and unleash your inner wildlife detective through an interactive investigation. Explore the Wild Planet exhibition and uncover the wonders of the animal kingdom and its genetic mysteries. Go behind-the-scenes and meet real geneticists from the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (ACWG), based at the Australian Museum Research Institute, where the real science happens. Ages: 9 - 12 years, Dates: Tues 23 Jan & Wed 24 Jan, Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm, Location: LG, Patricia McDonald Education Rooms, Australian Museum Cost: $120 Members, $150 non-Members

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs: Audio description - Free Audio Tour

Be transported back 3,300 years, across the sands of the Sahara Desert as you listen to this audio described guide about Ramses II, the most celebrated pharaoh in the country's storied history. For more details see here

Bistro Gadi

Bistro Gadi, the AM’s new rooftop restaurant, provides visitors with a casual but elegant dining experience on Level 4. With views overlooking Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral and Woolloomooloo Bay, Bistro Gadi focusses on fresh seasonal produce with flavourful mains, vibrant salads and wraps prepared daily.

A $20,000 Travel Competition is also on offer, through Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs!

Visitors inspired by their Egyptian experience at the Australian Museum can venture event further afield by entering the travel competition courtesy our Major Exhibition Partner Adventure World. Walk in the footsteps of Ramses, visit the treasures of ancient Egypt, or find treasures in the many destinations the custom travel specialist, Adventure World, has on offer. One lucky winner will receive a $20,000 voucher to design their own trip to Egypt or any of Adventure World’s destinations and to explore the treasures of the world in person.

Competition closes at 9pm on 19 May 2024 (AEST). Visitors enter via a QR code which is found on a panel at the end of the exhibition and are asked to answer one question. Enter online at https://australian.museum/visit/whats-on/ramses/adventure-world-competition/

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs is presented in partnership with World Heritage Exhibitions, Neon/Global and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, with the support of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW Blockbusters Funding initiative, Adventure World and Accor Hotels.

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs - exclusive to the Australian Museum.

• Date: until 19 May 2024
• Tickets: Adult from $38, Concession from $32, Child from $25. Book here: Ticketmaster
• AM video – 2023 Year in Review video found here:
• Ramses images, biographies, press releases can be found here
• Media contact: Claire Vince Claire.vince@australian.museum 0468 726 910

Media Contact

Claire Vince, Media and Communications Adviser

T 0468 726 910

E Claire.Vince@Australian.Museum