No, we’re not talking about the 2006 comedy movie starring Ben Stiller and Dick Van Dyke. Night at the Museum is the 2023 Rotary International Convention’s signature cultural welcome event being staged at the spectacular Melbourne Museum, May 27.
The Melbourne Museum is recognised as a contemporary architectural icon, sitting adjacent to the stately Royal Exhibition Building at the centre of the historic Carlton Gardens – the land of which the Woi Wurrung (Wurundjeri) and Boon Wurrung peoples of the eastern Kulin Nations are the spiritual custodians. Surrounded by 64 acres of English oaks, plane trees, conifers and Moreton Bay figs, the museum opened in 2000, but its heritage goes back to 1854. It is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere.
The museum provides a rich insight into life in Victoria in an interactive setting, which has been designed to accommodate large groups to enjoy wonderful food and beverages from across the state. From dinosaurs to dugout canoes, and stagecoaches to science exhibits, you will experience Victoria’s natural environment, cultures and history through different perspectives – from millions of years ago to the present.
Your night will begin with drinks and finger food on arrival, and you will continue to be rewarded for exploring the different areas of the museum as food and drink stations will be located conveniently throughout the venue.
“Inside the gallery, one of the highlights is the Dinosaur Walk. You can freely wander through this impressive floor-to-ceiling congregation of dinosaur skeletons and mingle with some megafauna!”
Take time to explore Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a place imbued with the living traditions and knowledge of the Koorie people, and celebrate the vibrant cultures of Indigenous Australia with its rich traditions of performance, storytelling and artwork.
Through the voices and languages of the Koorie community, the First Peoples exhibition tells the story of Aboriginal Victoria from the time of Creation to today. This major exhibition celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria’s Aboriginal people.
In the Science and Life Gallery you’ll find bugs, dinosaurs, fossils and more. From the massive blue whale skeleton to the theatrical display of transformation in the Evolution Gallery, there is something to spark your curiosity. Inside the gallery, one of the highlights is the Dinosaur Walk. You can freely wander through this impressive floor-to-ceiling congregation of dinosaur skeletons and mingle with some megafauna!
The museum is especially proud of its Triceratops – the world’s most complete and finely preserved Triceratops fossils ever found. In a special display area, you will come face to face with ‘Horridus’ and discover why he was the most formidable herbivorous animal to roam the planet.
Melbourne is one of the most interesting cities in the world; loved for its eclectic culture, you can discover more of its history while enjoying the museum hospitality. The Melbourne Story is an immersive display of some of the most fascinating elements of what makes Melbourne marvellous, from a Luna Park relic to an AC/DC costume and, of course, the beloved Phar Lap, the most popular exhibit at the museum.
As you explore the museum, which will be open exclusively for convention goers, you will have the opportunity to catch up with fellow delegates from the Rotary family in a friendly and inclusive setting.
You will also hear expert gallery talks, meet animal handlers, and be entertained by roaming dinosaur performers, as well as entertainment of the more traditional kind.
Your ticket includes transport to and from the venue, outstanding food and beverages and entertainment – truly a night to remember. There could be no better way to kick off your convention experience than this memorable Night at the Museum.
Book your Night at the Museum tickets now at rotarymelbourne2023.org