The concept of habitat is introduced through analysis of four images of insects living in different places.

What does the thought of picking up a bug do to you? It’s just a day in the life for our Live Exhibits keepers. 

A myth for each leg: from the deadly Daddy Long-legs to swallowing spiders in your sleep.

Close encounters with Mallee insects.

A short story about the lives of stick insects.

A knowledgeable Museum expert will reveal a selection of insects, lizards and snakes from the Museum’s live animal collection.

How do you study a bee so small it can barely be seen? 

Join cicada expert and enthusiast, Dr Claire Keely, for a closer look at these fascinating insects.

Both entrances to the Science and Life Gallery create a sense of wonder. From the massive blue whale skeleton in the Main Foyer and Walk to the theatrical display of transformation in the Evolution Gallery, there is definitely something to spark curiosity in your guests.

We rely on bees for so much, but do you know the difference between the iconic European Honey Bee and Australian native bees? And what you can do to help them?

Senior Curator, Entomology

Senior Curator of Entomology

At Museums Victoria we are often asked: “What kind of spider is this? It was in my house! Is it dangerous?”

How insects grow and change is investigated through an example of the Wanderer Butterfly life cycle.

Learn about land crayfish and their burrows.

At some times in a spider’s life it is easy to tell, but at other times it can be impossible.

What do Melbourne’s laneways, the Spotswood Pumping Station at Scienceworks, and termite mounds all have in common?

Separating fact from folklore 

Apart from their intrinsic right to be here, spiders do humans a power of good as well.

What can we do to help the platypus?

Think you know tigers? What about those found in Australia? 

When is a tiger not a cat, a fox not a canine, and a jelly fish not a fish? Unfortunately, more often than you might think.

The story of Leadbeater's Possum is a remarkable one. 

In addition to the development of his moth and butterfly collection, George Lyell’s letters reveal much about his personal relationships.

Unlike their Asian counterparts, Australian orchids like the rosy spider orchid, pictured below, are beautifully understated. Delicate and beautiful, they are not flashy like the orchids available at your local nursery.

And does this dragon still exist?

Mini mega creations that need some special care.

What do a Platypus, a Dragonfish and a Scorpion all have in common?

The stranding of a dead whale offers scientists a rare opportunity to study these elusive giants.

Impact of fires on biodiversity on a scale not seen since species records were first kept. Loss is in the ‘trillions’ of animals due to climate change crisis. 

If there’s one place in the world that knows about extinction, it’s a natural history museum.

Fossils are the only means we have to study and display ancient animals, but what makes a fossil ‘real’?

Professor Deirdre Coleman, Nik McGrath and Simon Hinkley join Richelle Hunt in the ABC Radio Melbourne Studio.

An outline of the resources supporting early years science and support materials for biology, physics and earth and space.

In the past 3-5 years, Museums Victoria scientists and volunteers have conducted vital biodiversity surveys across Victoria that will provide invaluable benchmarks for fire-affected areas.

A table mapping student resources against the Australian Curriculum: Science.

The amazing world of insects and spiders!

Uncover live insects and explore over 100 types of bugs and spiders from the museum’s collection in this exhibition.

Take a journey through a living gallery to discover stories about environments and change in Victoria's tall forests.

From Triceratops to a world of bugs, Melbourne Museum is an amazing source of inspiration. Discover the wonders of digital drawing in this art and science focused workshop.

Celebrate National Science Week at Melbourne Museum. Meet museum scientists, discover rare collections, learn about endangered species and join us for talks, tours, activities and exhibitions.