The Andrews Labor Government is investing in Victoria’s proud sporting history with work set to get underway on a major redevelopment of the National Sports Museum at the MCG.
The museum is home to Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia, including Don Bradman’s baggy green cap, Cathy Freeman’s running suit from the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games cauldron.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today joined Melbourne Cricket Club President Steven Smith and former Olympian Shane Gould to announce the start of works on the redevelopment.
The Labor Government is investing $5 million to continue to grow the museum as a major drawcard for tourists and local sports fans.
The MCG is one of the world’s great sporting venues and has been the backdrop for some of the greatest sporting moments – the museum captures many of these moments.
Whether it be memorabilia from the 1956 Olympics, the 1932-33 Bodyline series or AFL Grand Finals, this transformation will put Australia’s sporting history firmly in the spotlight.
The revamp will use the latest interactive technology and feature a more diverse range of sports and athletes.
There will be a new AFL section with a more interactive Hall of Fame and new education zones for school groups.
With more than 140,000 people from Australia and overseas visiting the museum or taking an MCG Tour each year, the new renovations will provide even more reason for fans to visit the home of Australian sport.
The museum will be closed later this year for the renovation works and is scheduled to reopen in time for the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup Final on 8 March 2020.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“The MCG is a Victorian icon, and there’s no better place to honour our nation’s greatest sporting moments than at our greatest sporting venue.”
“By showcasing the best of Australian sport at the National Sports Museum, we’re enhancing Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020