We have been delighted to see museum visitors enjoying the many spaces of Old Parliament House once again. We welcome you to come and explore the authentically preserved heritage areas of this great building and discover exhibitions that celebrate the stories and spirit of our democracy and the power of our voices within it.
As you explore the museum, you may even bump into a colourful character from the past who will invite you to join a free Building History Tour.
We’re all in this together and we’re doing our part to try and keep everyone healthy. Our timed ticket system will limit numbers in the museum and ensure visitors can keep a safe distance. We’ve increased our cleaning schedule and hand sanitiser is available for everyone.
What people are saying about MoAD this month...
What's On
Building History Tour
Want a bird’s eye view of wonderful Old Parliament House and its fascinating occupants over time?
Need an intro to the rich history of this national heritage-listed building before you explore further on your own?
One of our knowledgeable and entertaining guides will meet you in King’s Hall and take you to our Models Room to show you the changes which have occurred over the decades and offer stories about people who have walked these halls.
On Air PlayUP
Don’t forget to tune into On Air PlayUP on our Facebook and Instagram channels and join our fun craft activity.
This week we are celebrating World Youth Skills Day, a day that acknowledges the importance of equipping young people with skills for the future.
Join the conversation in our PlayUP Community Facebook group where you’ll find like-minded PlayUpers or discover all the episodes and other fun activity suggestions on our website.
Yours Faithfully
In an age of pithy one liners, text messages and FaceTime, letter writing might seem redundant. Yet rediscovering this lost art reminds us to slow down and express our inner thoughts with others.
A handwritten letter can become a keepsake of cherished memories, opinions and ideas or expressed love.
We invite you to come in and rediscover letter writing; whatever the subject and whomever the recipient. Use our range of tools and supplies including beautifully restored typewriters and pop your piece of mail in our post box – postage is on us.
Top Secret Tour with Tim the Yowie Man
He’s back!
Join Tim the Yowie Man and explore Old Parliament House by torchlight as he reveals the secrets of the building and its past occupants. He’ll also shine a light on the close links between Old Parliament House and its historic neighbours.
We’ve limited the number of places on each tour due to Covid-19 restrictions, so the Top Secret Tour is now an even more exclusive experience.
17 August, 20 August, 27 August, 17 September and 24 September
6pm and 8pm
$59.00pp
Tours run for 90 minutes
Unique democracy project prompts insightful responses
Thank you to those contributing comments to Democracy 2025’s new international crowdsourced project to consider what democracy will look like in a post-COVID 19 world.
The first chapters have prompted insightful comments and reflections on strengthening democratic practice. We’re hearing that Australia needs to embrace a new style of politics – one that is cleaner, collaborative and evidence-based – to drive recovery and remain a lucky country.
Comments received help Professors Mark Evans and Gerry Stoker redraft and write the next chapters, released every three weeks.
Chapters 4,5&6 are now available online and we invite you to take part in the discussion via our Facebook group.
Is it compulsory to like compulsory voting?
Australia is one of the only countries in the world that enforces compulsory voting. But there are good arguments, sound, solid, democratic arguments, both for and against compulsory voting. Voting is not some optional extra in democratic citizenship. It’s the first and ultimately most important act you can perform as a citizen. The whole democracy show, in its modern representational form at least, stands or falls on voting.
If there’s no voting – democracy doesn’t exist. Democratic citizenship doesn’t exist.
In a modern democracy, there is no legitimate power for leaders and governments to wield and exercise outside of voters voting at elections. Without it there is no democratic legitimacy.
Our historian, Alex McDermott, explores whether it is compulsory to like compulsory voting?
Shop at MoAD
Avoid the crowds at the mall and visit MoAD's Little Corner Shop for delightful gifts, books, knick-knacks and locally sourced items.
We have recently stocked stylus pens that will help you avoid touching screens. Perfect for when you are on the go.
Grab a bite to eat
Be transported back in time to our 1950's art deco inspired restaurant, Hoi Polloi. Spend time with friends over a long lunch or grab a takeaway coffee or something to eat from the takeaway menu.
Things will be a little different than usual as we follow Australian Government guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our guests.
Bookings are preferred as the number of dine-in guests are limited due to social distancing rules.
