As a trusted public institution and Australia’s first Museum, the AM is uniquely placed to share knowledge about our world and help conserve it for future generations.

Legacy gifts have enabled us to embark on ambitious and enduring initiatives that make the AM what it is today. From education access and lifelong learning programs; to early-career research fellowships and important cultural acquisitions, legacy giving can make a lasting impact to enrich our communities.

As we near our 200th anniversary in 2027, we invite you to help us plan for our future by ensuring we can continue our groundbreaking work across science, culture, and education. Leaving a gift in your Will is a meaningful way to invest in the AM’s future ambitions and pass on your own values and experiences at the AM, or that of a loved one, to the next generation.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans and intentions with you. All conversations are confidential.

To find out about areas you can support and how you can leave a legacy gift to the Australian Museum Foundation, please contact:

Juliet Aldridge
Relationship Manager
T 02 9320 6417
E Juliet.Aldridge@australian.museum


Everything you need to know

There are several different types of legacy gifts you can consider when writing your Will. These include:

  • Percentage of the whole estate: you may choose to leave a percentage of, or the whole of your estate to the Australian Museum.
  • Residuary: after you have provided for your loved ones you may choose to leave the remainder or a percentage of the remainder of your estate to the Australian Museum.
  • Pecuniary: a specific sum of money or asset.
  • A specific asset: of real estate, stocks, bonds, shares or collections.*
  • Endowment gifts: donation that is permanently invested and the income earned provides a sustained source of funding, vital to the AM’s ongoing activities.

*Assets of this sort may attract Capital Gains Tax. More information about deceased estates and capital gains tax can be found on the ATO website.


Legacy gifts are managed by the Australian Museum Foundation (AMF), who will care for and honour your legacy. The AMF is a charitable trust whose sole purpose is to raise funds to support projects across the AM.

You can choose to leave an unrestricted gift or direct your gift to a particular purpose or area of interest. Whatever you choose, know that your assets remain in your control during your lifetime, and you can modify your gift to address changing circumstances at any time.

It is important to also talk with your loved ones about your intentions and let them know that leaving a legacy gift to the AM is important to you to ensure your wishes are carried out.


If you would like some suggestions on how to word your Will to capture your gift intentions, please contact us for a confidential conversation.

Please note, suggested wording is only a guide, and any legal advice should be discussed with your solicitor when making and updating your Will.


When it comes to leaving a gift, we understand that some people may prefer to keep their intentions private and we will respect your wishes. However, it is important to us that we acknowledge and thank you for your contribution where possible.


Anyone making a pledged gift to the AM is personally invited to join our Legacy Giving Circle and will receive exclusive invitations to special exhibitions and events and regular updates on our work and stories from the team. This Circle is about bringing together like-minded supporters who have chosen to leave a legacy gift and to honour their generosity.


We would love to hear from you so that we can personally thank you, or your representative, for your legacy gift and ensure your wishes are fulfilled. You can inform us that you have left a gift in your Will by calling Juliet Aldridge on 02 9320 6417 or email Juliet.Aldridge@australian.museum.


The Australian Museum Foundation Limited (AMF) is committed to handling your personal information appropriately. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.



Be inspired by AM legacy stories

The AM has been deeply fortunate to receive and care for legacy gifts from passionate individuals whose strong connection to the Museum inspired them to leave a gift in their Will.

Read more about Patricia McDonald – a pioneer of AM Education, Clarence Chadwick – a devoted Entomologist and AM volunteer researcher, and Gwendoline West – a dedicated artist and collector, whose stories highlight the power of leaving a legacy.



Meet our Legacy Giving Ambassadors

Our Legacy Ambassadors share their stories on why they have chosen to support the future of the AM by leaving a legacy gift in their Will.



I see the opportunity to leave a legacy gift to the Australian Museum as a way to support other people in experiencing the Museum’s great work. A legacy gift benefits future generations and supports the Museum to continue bringing research, education and learning to life for us all. Kayla - Legacy Giving

Learn more about how you can support us


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