The National Communication Museum in Hawthorn will house a raft of programs for children of all ages.
The not-for-profit will open its doors in the old Telstra Exchange Building on Burwood Road on Saturday 21 September.
It brings to life the nostalgia of communication in Australia and showcases the cutting-edge technologies that will connect us in the future.
It spans two levels of dynamic and changing gallery spaces, with a working historical telephone exchange, immersive rooms, interactive experiences, and a dedicated kids hub.
NCM co-CEO Anna Prenc said the museum was a fun destination for children, teens, and their families.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
In NCM kids hub, children follow overhead cables to discover some of the weird and wonderful ways messages are sent and received around the world and beyond.
It also features hands-on interactive experiences to unlock and decode messages throughout the space.
The museum’s remix zone is aimed at teens and tweens, with two large authentic switchboards reimagined by Mosster Studio as interactive instruments, where visitors can build their own unique, telephony-inspired soundscape.
NCM co-CEO Emily Siddons said the museum was also a trip down memory lane for older visitors who remember retro tech like MSN messenger, rotary phones, the talking clock, the iconic burger phone, and the first internet cafes.
“The museum features a rotating collection of technologies and contextual artefacts and exciting temporary exhibitions, as well as a STEM-focused schools program, research and industry programs,” she said.
“NCM answers the questions you have about technology but were too afraid to ask: Is my fridge listening to me? Where exactly is the Cloud? What is the difference between 4G and 5G?
“It invites visitors to engage with the everyday technologies they don’t understand, with experiences that are driven by technology and activated by visitors themselves, letting them direct their own unique experience through the museum.”
Visit ncm.org.au for more information.
