The (New) Newcastle Museum has Finally Opened!!

Well, some 4 years after the old Newcastle Regional Museum closed, the new Newcastle Museum has finally opened at the Honeysuckle Railway Workshop site. It officially opened on Thursday. I decided to get a sneak peek before the crowds descend on the weekend.

The main entrance is marked by a giant bright-red ladle hook.

The architecture is stunning. The architects have been careful to keep the new structure distinctly separate from the heritage workshop buildings. The main intervention consists of a new entrance gallery, topped by a waveform roof. The glass & steel of the new work contrasts with the masonry of the old buildings.

On entry, the first thing you will see is the remains of a ‘fishing tree’. The tree was located at Corlette, where it was used by the Worimi Aboriginal people as a vantage point to spot schooling fish. Sadly, it was burnt down by vandals in 2001, and the remains were taken off-site for preservation.

Because it was opening day, there was a big banner taking signatures.

In the Link Gallery, you can see how the new architecture fits within, but separate to, the old structure.

Some general views of the displays.

This is a Wallsend Tram.

A mock-up of the BHP laboratory.

The ‘Supernova Display’ is targeted at children (and older people as well).

Some of the old-fashioned safety gear on display.

One of the highlights is the recreation of BHP Steelworks – pouring the molten steel.

And what better place for a cup of coffee after checking it all out?