Australian Museum's Sharks exhibition extended to 25 April due to popular demand
Sydney, Tuesday 17 January 2023: The Australian Museum's blockbuster Sharks exhibition is extending its run due to a wildly popular summer season and a high demand from visitors eager to learn more about these magnificent creatures.
Now open until Tuesday 25 April 2023, visitors are invited to explore the diversity of these ancient predators with eleven life-size shark models, interactive experiences, and specimens from the Australian Museum collection. In addition to discovering the cultural connections that reach back countless generations, visitors will also learn about First Nations and Pasifika Peoples knowledge of sharks and how this understanding helps us to protect them.
Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, said the NSW Government is proud to support the exhibition through its Blockbuster Funding Initiative, which will enable Sharks to tour internationally after its extended season in Sydney.
“Clearly, the Australian Museum’s Sharks exhibition has already proven to be a hit with audiences from across Sydney, NSW and beyond. It’s fantastic the season has now been extended so that more visitors will have the chance to learn about the history, science and cultural connections of sharks, before it travels overseas where it will inspire international audiences in North America,” Minister Franklin said.
© Australian Museum
“The NSW Government is committed to securing world-class exhibitions and boosting our state’s cultural offerings to support and create jobs and attract visitors to enjoy the best NSW has to offer.”
Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said that Sharks is the perfect family activity for the summer holidays.
“Since opening in September, over 100,000 visitors have come to see this blockbuster exhibition. We’re thrilled to be able to extend the season through to the end of the April school holidays, enabling even more people to learn about the diversity of sharks and the important role they play in the health of ocean ecosystems,” McKay said.
In addition to diving into the world of sharks at the exhibition, Australian Museum visitors are able to attend a series of related events including talks, workshops, and activities to further engage with the history, science, cultural connections, and the future of sharks.
Don't miss out on this spectacular exhibition about one of Earth's most fierce and fascinating apex predators. Tickets are on sale now at https://australian.museum/exhibition/sharks/.
© Australian Museum
Sharks is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Blockbuster Funding initiative. The NSW Department of Primary Industries is the Exhibition Partner and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Minderoo Foundation, and Macquarie University are the Supporting Partners. AM visitors can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to see the vibrant Kimberley wilderness with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic as part of their support of Sharks. ABC Radio Sydney is the Media Partner for the exhibition.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Sharks Exhibition and Program Series
When: Until Tuesday 25 April 2023
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
SHARKS SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Erth's Shark Dive. This interactive theatrical experience brings participants face-to-face with larger-than-life puppet sharks created by world-renowned puppeteers Erth Visual & Physical Inc., with a choice of a "thrilling" or "peaceful" soundscape acting as a soundtrack to the immersive “underwater” experience. Until Sunday 29 January 2023. Ages: 5+. Tickets: $12 members, $15 non-members.
The Tooth about Sharks. Shark expert Dr Amy Smoothey from the NSW Department of Primary Industries presents a fun and engaging demonstration using real specimens, video snippets, and audience volunteers to explore the extraordinary adaptations, diversity of species and habitats, and importance of sharks to marine ecosystems, and learn how to be 'shark smart' in our oceans and waterways, followed by a Q&A session where kids can handle jaw specimens on stage and ask all their sharpest shark questions. Friday 20 January 2023: 10.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm. Ages: 6+. Tickets: $12 (Members), $15 (non-Members).
Twilight Bites: The Foraging Behaviour of Sharks. Dr Vic Peddemors, Senior Scientist for Shark Research with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, shares new research on the foraging behaviour of sharks and discusses how it can aid in the conservation of various shark species around the globe. Wednesday 1 February, 2023: 5.30pm – 7pm | 7pm – 8.30pm. Tickets: $72 Members, $90 non-Members, $81 Concession.
Twilight Bites: Shark Behaviour and All That Jazz. Join the AM for canapés and conversation with Macquarie University Professor Culum Brown, a celebrated shark researcher who will reveal the intelligence and capabilities of fish and sharks and discuss how understanding them can contribute to the conservation of their dwindling populations. Wednesday 1 March, 2023: 5.30pm – 7pm | 7pm – 8.30pm. Tickets: $72 Members, $90 non-Members, $81 Concession.
Twilight Bites: Sea, Land and Country. Join leading Indigenous ecologist Dr Chels Marshall for a discussion on the cultural practices and knowledge systems of First Nations peoples and their deep connection to the ocean and marine life, including the use of signs from the land and sea to predict shark behaviours and inform sustainable relationships with marine life, over drinks and canapés. Wednesday 5 April, 2023: 5.30pm – 7pm | 7pm – 8.30pm. Tickets: $72 Members, $90 non-Members, $81 Concession.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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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.
Media Contacts
Matt Frazer, Original Spin, Director of Communications
T: 0401 326 007
Farley Fitzgerald, Head of Communications
T 0455 306 788
E farley.fitzgerald@australian.museum
Claire Vince, Media and Communications Adviser
T 0468 726 910
