Bear-y exciting school holiday fun at the Australian Museum
12 December 2024, Sydney: The Australian Museum (AM) invites families these school holidays to spark their curiosity and immerse themselves in science, culture and adventure with a program packed full of Paddington-themed fun.
© STUDIOCANAL
In celebration of the major summer exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, and the release of STUDIOCANAL’s Paddington in Peru (in cinemas 1 January 2025), the AM has planned an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities. With free general admission every day during the school holidays, there’s no better place to explore, learn, and create lasting memories.
While families enjoy the special Paddington-themed events, they can explore the extraordinary Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition and its award-winning VR experience. During the school holidays, families will also enjoy pop-up performances from Sydney Youth Orchestra. Book in for the exhibition and VR.
© NEON/World Heritage Exhibitions
Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said the program highlights the museum’s commitment to creating engaging, family-friendly cultural experiences.
“This summer, we’re combining the excitement of Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru with the charm of Paddington Bear to offer a school holiday experience like no other,” McKay said. “These activities invite families to discover the wonders of Peru while celebrating one of the most beloved children’s characters of all time.”
Paddington School Holiday Programs at the Australian Museum include:
Paddington (2014) Film Screening
Relive the magic of Paddington’s London adventures with a free screening of the original Paddington (2014) film. A heartwarming tale filled with charm, marmalade, and family fun; this is the perfect way to prepare for the upcoming Paddington in Peru movie.
- When: Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Screening Times: 10:30am, 12:45pm, 3:00pm
- Where: Australian Museum Theatre
- Cost: Free (Registration required)
- Ages: 4+
Teddy Bears' Picnic with Paddington
Bring your favourite teddy bear for a picnic in Hintze Hall! Enjoy treats from home or purchase a Paddington-themed lunchbox filled with healthy snacks, a marmalade sandwich, and an activity booklet. Keep an eye out for Paddington himself as he wanders the Museum!
When: Tuesday 7 January 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Hintze Hall
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Help Paddington find his missing travel kit as you explore the Museum’s galleries! Collect letters along the way to solve a puzzle and enter a competition to win a family pass or merchandise pack for Paddington in Peru.
When: Monday 2 December 2024 – Friday 31 January 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Museum-wide
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This summer, let Paddington and the AM’s Journey to Peru program spark curiosity, imagination, and a love for adventure in kids and families alike. Check out the full program of AM School Holiday activities at australian.museum/event/school-holidays.
Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is presented in partnership with Neon, Museo Larco and the Ministry of Culture of Peru and proudly supported by Major Exhibition Partner, Adventure World; Airline Partner, LATAM Airlines; along with Hotel Partner, Pullman Hotels.
Download the media release
EVENT DETAILS
- What: School Holiday Program featuring Paddington-themed activities
- When: Daily during school holidays (varied event dates)
- Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 2/3
- Cost: Free general admission, additional costs for Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition and VR experience
- Exhibition Tickets: Off peak: Adult $37.50, Child $20.00, Family x 4 $94.00; Peak: Adult $42.50, Child $ 23.50, Family x 4 $110.00. VR experience: $22.00
- For more information and to book tickets visit Australian Museum
- Editors note: Imagery, footage, background information here
- Social Media: Facebook: @australianmuseum; Instagram: @australianmuseum; Twitter: @austmus / Hashtags: #AustralianMuseum
About the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.
About NEON
NEON is a global leader in creating and producing experiential entertainment. NEON enjoys worldwide partnerships with The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Entertainment for Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. and Marvel Avengers Station: Evolution, 20th Century Studios for AVATAR: The Exhibition, Hasbro for Transformers: The Experience, NBCUniversal for Jurassic World: The Exhibition, and Lionsgate for The Hunger Games: The Exhibition. It also has a partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to produce two brand-new, unique global touring themed art experiences namely Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, and a DC inspired experience slated to debut in 2025. The Company also partners with the governments of Egypt and Peru for their original artefact IP experiences, Ramses the Great & the Gold of the Pharaohs and Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, respectively, plus authentic artefact tours Pompeii: The Exhibition, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, and Victoria the T. Rex.
The Group’s IP experiences are powered by ANIMAX, a fully owned subsidiary and a world-class creative animatronics powerhouse that specialises in research and development, engineering and entertainment robotics, with state-of-the-art facilities located in Nashville, US, Wuxi, China and the Middle East.
NEON’s global partnerships have enabled the Group to bring compelling experiences that leave lasting memories to millions of visitors in more than 80 cities to date globally. For more information, please visit www.neonglobal.com.
About Adventure World
Adventure World is a dedicated team of global adventurers with over 40 years of experience in curating authentic and sustainable travel experiences. We ensure that our guests truly connect with the essence of each destination while enjoying the flexibility of customisable itineraries. Our offerings are guided by our Travel with Purpose charter, which aims to celebrate and conserve cultures, create socio-economic benefits for communities, protect wildlife, and restore marine ecosystems. We strive to create genuine opportunities for like-minded travellers to join us in this mission. We collaborate closely with partners such as TreadRight Foundation, Animals Asia, and the Australian Museum, aligning our efforts with 11 of the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals. Through our Travel with Purpose philosophy, we actively put these ideals into action. Adventure World was awarded Most Outstanding Wholesaler – Destination / Experience at the 2024 National Travel Industry Awards.
About LATAM Airlines
Latam Airlines is the leading airline in South America, with the largest network of destinations in the continent. The airline has more than 90 years of experience in the marketplace. Recent winner of the "Best Airline in South America” award for the fifth consecutive year and “Best airline staff in South America” by Skytrax.
LATAM Airlines Group is the fifth airline with the best performance in sustainability worldwide according to the most recent Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), by Standard & Poor's. (S&P Global). This allowed the group being the only airline on the continent to be classified in the 2023 edition of "The Sustainability Yearbook".
Non-stop flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Santiago de Chile, and from there connections to more than 120 destinations in the region, with standout destinations including Cusco, Torres del Paine, Cartagena de Indias, Easter Island, Buenos Aires, Galapagos Islands, Rio de Janeiro and more. South America awaits you. Discover your next adventure at latam.com
About Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park blends contemporary style with exclusive service, providing an urban escape in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Positioned opposite Hyde Park, this 5-star hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers with 241 modern rooms and suites, offering breathtaking views of the city and park. Guests can enjoy premium amenities including a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and a variety of dining options. As part of Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a global brand with over 140 properties worldwide, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park delivers an energising, connected experience that embodies the spirit of modern travel. Pullman is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 5,200 properties across 110 countries.
Media Contact
Matt Fraser, Original Spin
0401 326 007
matt@originalspin.com.au
