Experience Melbourne Museum after hours, when the doors stay open late and the night belongs to adults.
Nocturnal: Museum After Dark invites you to explore the museum child-free, perfect for a memorable date night or an easy catch-up with friends. Wander the galleries at your own pace, away from the daytime crowds, and discover new perspectives through a curated program of talks and tours offering rare behind-the-scenes insights into our exhibitions and collections.
Enjoy access to ROME: Empire Power, People after-hours with your Nocturnal ticket and explore Ancient Rome’s political, cultural and social worlds in this premier exhibition.
As the night unfolds, enjoy a live DJ, drinks and snacks available at Museum Market Café. Relax, explore and experience Melbourne Museum in a whole new light - after dark.
Tickets
Adult $25
Concession $22.50
Members $20
Enjoy access to our newest exhibition, ROME: Empire Power, People after-hours included at no extra cost with your Nocturnal ticket and explore Ancient Rome’s political, cultural and social worlds in a more intimate setting free of children.
Date & Time
First Thursday of the month
6 to 9:30pm
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
ROME: Empire, Power, People
6 to 9pm | Touring Hall, Lower Ground Level | Exhibition
Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Rome’s political, cultural and social life.
Our Wondrous Planet
6 to 9:30pm | Melbourne Story, Upper Level | Exhibition
Experience our planet's intricate and interconnected ecosystems, from rainforests to coral reefs to polar seas. Large scale projections and hands-on interactives bring these worlds to life.
First Peoples
6 to 8pm | Bunjilaka, Ground Level | Exhibition
Through the voices and languages of the south-eastern First Peoples community, the First Peoples exhibition celebrates the cultures of First Peoples with its rich traditions of performance, storytelling, artwork, and knowledge sharing, set against the history of survival throughout the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
Stronger Families, Stronger Communities
6 to 8pm | Bunjilaka, Ground Level | Exhibition
Elevating the voices of nine First Nations men who have taken part in the Dardi Munwurro’s healing and leadership programs, this show explores the themes of strength, healing, resilience and cultural pride of the individuals working to break cycles of trauma and build stronger communities.
Melbourne Story
6 to 9:30pm | Melbourne Story, Upper Level | Exhibition
Melbourne Story is packed with icons of the city's past and present – tales of heroes and scoundrels, growth and decline, and the changing ways Melburnians live, work and play.
Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs
6 to 9:30pm | Science & Life Gallery, Ground Level | Exhibition
An immersive voyage into a lost world to explore the landscapes of the Cretaceous and get to know the creatures that thrived there.
Science & Life Gallery
6 to 9:30pm | Science & Life Gallery, Ground Level | Exhibition
Walk past the skeletons of 17 prehistoric animals through Dinosaur Walk, discover the origin of life in Victoria told through fossils, models, animatronics and animations, and see a world of insects, spiders, snails and other invertebrates in Bugs Alive!
Mark Free
cafe, Ground Level | 6 to 9pm | Music
Semi-retired but always inspired Mark Free has an unshakeable dedication to music and the connections it creates.
Cofounder of Skydiver records and the infamous Daydreams parties Mark pairs an expansive ear with inexpensive taste to bring you unshazamable sounds from the recent and forgotten underground.
Power & Wealth - making 'cents' of ancient Roman coins with Nick Crotty
Foyer, Ground Level | 6:30pm | Expert Talk
While the Romans didn't invent coins, they used them to great effect across the Empire. In this talk I'll be exploring and demystifying ancient Roman coins.
Celebrating Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday with Dr Tessa Smith
Foyer, Ground Level | 7pm | Expert Talk
Join Tessa Smith, as we celebrate the 100th birthday of David Attenborough—a man who has spent a century inspiring wonder, curiosity, and care for our planet. His voice has brought the natural world to life for generations, reminding us both of its beauty and our responsibility to protect it.
So You Think You Can Attenborough
Foyer, Ground Level | 7:15pm | Activity
Continuing the celebration of Sir David Attenborough, we invite the audience to step into his iconic role as a storyteller of the natural world. Participants will perform in his signature style, bringing humour and creativity as they narrate scenes or songs inspired by nature. It’s a light-hearted tribute to his legendary voice and enduring impact.
Triceratops Tour with Justin Wright
Triceratops, Ground Level | 8pm | Tour
Embark on an insider's journey through Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs and uncover the secrets behind one of the most complete triceratops fossils ever found. Presented by Justin Wright, Associate Producer, Public Programs
Bong Su with Andrew Bernard
Our Wondrous Planet, Upper Level | 8:30pm | Expert Talk
Bong Su, a gentle giant who touched the hearts of so many. This special talk will reflect on his story, his impact, and the joy he brought to countless visitors. Come and honour his memory while exploring the powerful connection between people and wildlife.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please view our accessibility page for general information. A sensory map of Melbourne Museum can be found on our Visual Stories page where step-by-step visual and written access guides are available. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your visit.
