The Northern Territory is a treasure trove of museums and art galleries providing insight into the rich history and ancient stories collected over tens of thousands of years.
The Territory has a fascinating history, having been involved in nation-building projects like the Overland Telegraph Station, being the first mainland Australian target of the Japanese in World War II, and experiencing one of the most devastating cyclones in Australia's history.
Experience the diverse Top End history
Enjoy the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) It's the Territory's flagship museum and art gallery. Some of its permanent collection holds thousands of artworks and historical artefacts from across the Territory, including exhibits on early Territory life, a Cyclone Tracy interactive exhibit, animals and plants, Sweetheart the Crocodile, and a section dedicated to maritime history. MAGNT also hosts the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Telstra NATSIAA) each year.
Military history
Darwin has a strong and proud military history reflected in the many museums and displays dedicated to military activity and service.
- Darwin Military Museum - Defence of Darwin Experience is located at East Point Reserve. You can see where the NT defended the attack during World War II. Take a walk amongst the gun turrets and watch towers outside, while inside, you can find out more about the history.
- The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility uses technology including holograms, storytelling ghosts and virtual reality to tell the story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour.
- The Darwin Aviation Museum tells more stories of the role of aviation in Darwin, particularly the war effort. Many warplanes, including a B52 bomber, Mirage and Sabre jets, Spitfire replica, Orion P3-C, Wessex and Huey Cobra helicopters, are on display.
Explore the Red Centre
The Museum of Central Australia is rich and full of history. It has an incredible collection of fossils, replicas and preserved skeletons showing who was roaming these parts millions of years ago. MCA also houses Strehlow Research Centre, one of Australia's most important collections of film, sound, archival records and museum objects relating to Indigenous ceremonial life.
Art and culture centres
We are home to some of Australia's richest and most diverse Aboriginal art centres and galleries.
Many are located in remote Aboriginal communities and you will need a permit from the relevant land council to visit them.
If you can't make it to a remote community - there are also art centres in Darwin and Alice Springs.
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