Explore humanity's stories through our on-site exhibitions, displays, events and more.

Looking to explore the museum from your sofa? We are committed to expanding our offering beyond the museum's walls, so keep an eye out for digital resources, virtual exhibitions and more within these pages, or follow us on social media for much more!

Exhibitions

Moving Objects: stories from behind the scenes at the museum

Li Ka Shing Gallery

28 March 2026 to 20 December 2026

Explore the stories behind a fascinating selection of objects cared for by the museum from the people who have worked with them over the years.

A clay pot with a grumpy expression and arms for handles. Text reads "Moving Objects: stories from behind the scenes at the museum, 28 March - 20 December 2026".

Temporary displays

Contemporary Gweagal spears by Rod Mason

Maudslay Gallery

In dialogue with the new display of Kamay spears now open at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, a new display is now open at MAA of three contemporary spears, made by Senior Elder of the Gweagla Clan, Dharawal Nation, Rod Mason.

Permanent displays

People & Stuff: A Subversive Collaboration

Andrews Gallery

Staff, academics, and visitors have been adding their graffiti contributions to our large-scale collaborative painting, representing their understanding of the collections, how they got here, and what they mean to them.

A plaster cast of a Maya carving depicting two figures. The wall around it is painted green onto which graffiti images have been added including a brightly coloured bird, a skeleton wearing a large hat and an owl with a red line over its eyes.

This vibrant project seeks to map relationships between the past, ourselves, artefacts and places.

The Sensational Museum at MAA

Andrews Gallery

A child's hands touch a replica of a terracotta vessel consisting of two globular chambers with a spout in the centre and a moulded parrot's head at one end.

We are working with a small team of people with lived experiences of disability to develop a multi-sensory display as part of The Sensational Museum project.

Pacific Currents: New Displays from Oceania in the World Anthropology Gallery

Pacific Currents showcases MAA’s exceptional and wide-ranging Oceanic collections, which originate from throughout the Pacific and date from the late 18th century to the present day.

Events and workshops

Sound Bath

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

15 October, and 3 November 2026, 5:45 - 7:00pm

A seated statue of the Buddha on open display in the museum galleries. The Buddha sits crossed legged with a serene expression and one hand in his lap whilst the other touches the ground.