Sled dogs, science and survival: Journey to Antarctica at the National Museum of Australia this July
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As the coldest, driest, windiest and highest continent on the Earth, the polar desert of Antarctica has long captured the imagination of the world.
Those interested in the breathtaking landscapes, thriving wildlife and untouched environments no longer need to traverse the globe to see it for themselves – because the National Museum of Australia has brought Antarctica to Canberra.
And it feels only right that it is happening mid-winter.
Transporting visitors to a frozen world, the new blockbuster exhibition ANTARCTICA , tells the extraordinary first-hand stories of over 100 years of Australians in Antarctica featuring more than 200 objects donated by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).ANTARCTICA has been years in the making, from acquiring the collection to researching and curating the stories of early explorers, modern expeditioners, and dedicated scientists. Showing from Wednesday 1 July until 11 October, it offers a unique opportunity to see rare objects from one of the world’s largest Antarctic collections.
“It was time to give Australians a much better understanding of our relationship with the Antarctic continent, and also what the future for Antarctica is, and how it could affect us all,” explains National Museum curator Dr Jono Lineen.
“The exhibition is designed to give visitors a first-hand look at what it’s like to journey into Antarctica.”
Curator Dr Jono Lineen with the Weasel vehicle. Credit: National Museum of Australia
“Australians have ventured to Antarctica for more than two centuries, seeking wealth, adventure, and knowledge. Those who experience its beauty and its power return transformed. In this exhibition, their stories – of desperation, triumph, tragedy, and wonderment – reveal our complex and enduring connection with this extraordinary place.”
“Our hope is that by engaging with Australia’s relationship with Antarctica through earliest explorers to the deep scientific engagement of today, the visitor understands the importance of our complex and enduring relationship with the frozen continent,” adds National Museum curator Dr Laura Cook.
From meeting penguins to witnessing the beauty of the aurora australis and feeling the force of a blizzard, ANTARCTICA is a fascinating and immersive experience.
The Antarctica exhibition space. Credit: National Museum of Australia
The opening weekend on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July will allow visitors to undertake their own Antarctic adventure.
“There’s a level of fun added to the exhibition, which gives more of that hands-on, in-depth understanding of what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica,” says National Museum Antarctica program lead Clare Rowley.
“We have wonderful tours happening and our amazing Antarctica Experience virtual reality is back!”
Along with being the first chance for visitors to see the ANTARCTICA exhibition, the opening weekend has something for all ages.
Dr Laura Cook with the baleen-corseted evening dress. Credit: National Museum of Australia.
From 10 am until 4 pm across the two days, visitors can hear personal stories from Antarctic expeditioners and Museum curators, get creative with fun and free hands-on activities, enjoy sledding songs from the heroic age of Antarctic exploration performed by the Canberra Shanty Singers, and learn about science, exploration and survival on the edge.
And there’s one highlight families won’t want to miss: sled dogs.
“Would you believe Canberra has one of the biggest sled dog clubs in Australia? They will be here on the Saturday doing a demonstration in the morning of how their dogs pull a sled on wheels rather than on snow,” explains Clare.
“Sled dogs were an essential part of the Australian Antarctic program, and there are several taxidermied sled dogs on display in the exhibition.”
Dr Laura Cook and some sled dogs. Credit National Museum of Australia.
Add a take-home Antarctic adventures journal, the chance to try a free thermal print camera (for an atmospheric souvenir), and a hot chocolate from the café and you have a guaranteed cool day out thanks to the mix of free and paid experiences.
And while Antarctica might always feel – in some ways – like another planet, for one winter weekend in Canberra, it’s as close as Acton Peninsula.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: ANTARCTICA Opening Weekend
When: Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July
Where: The National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
Web: nma.gov.au/antarctica
Feature image: Director Katherine McMahon with taxidermy husky dogs. Credit National Museum of Australia
