A new museum in Melbourne will inspire new generations of STEAM students with demonstrations and hands-on activities across key learning areas including physics, digital technologies and history.
The National Communication Museum (known as NCM) will open in September and is Melbourne’s first major museum opening since the iconic Melbourne Museum almost 25 years ago.
The venture is a partnership with Swinburne University of Technology (PrimeSCI!) and will offer an innovative STEAM curriculum-linked program.
From February 2025, the museum will begin offering exhibition tours and hands-on workshops for years five-six and years nine-10.
It spans two levels of dynamic, evolving gallery spaces, with a working historical telephone exchange, immersive rooms and interactive experiences.
The museum’s Remix Zone is aimed at teens and tweens, with two large authentic switchboards reimagined by Mosster Studio as interactive synthesisers where visitors can build their own unique, telephony inspired soundscape.
Revisiting communication nostalgia
NCM Co-Chief Executive Officer Anna Prenc said NCM was a fun destination for children, teens and their families.
“The museum brings to life the nostalgia of communication in Australia and showcases the cutting-edge technologies that will connect us in the future – with something for visitors of all ages,” says NCM Co-Chief Executive Officer Anna Prenc.
“It really has something for everyone – from curious children and teens to nostalgic young and older adults, from primary and secondary students through to tertiary students and researchers.
“Through its extensive collection of artefacts and the innovative use of technology, including robotics and responsive artificial intelligence, NCM connects audiences young and old with past and current technologies.”
Bringing STEAM education to life
NCM is housed in a 1930s telephone exchange building, on Burwood Rd in Hawthorn, in front of a working exchange building that is still used today.
NCM Co-Chief Executive Officer Emily Siddons says the STEAM program is a cornerstone of the museum, bridging gaps for women and First Peoples and making STEAM skills accessible to all.
“NCM will provide a future pipeline of STEAM workers, inspiring children and students by demonstrating the potential impact of technologies in enabling, building and transforming communities,” Siddons says.
“NCM demonstrates visible career pathways for aspiring creators and fills curriculum gaps that occur due to the rapid rate of technological change.
“NCM is excited to work closely with its Major Learning Partner, Swinburne University of Technology and technology industry leaders, to develop its own brand of education that explores the latest emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, blockchain and beyond.”
The not-for-profit museum will open its doors to the public on Saturday 21 September.
