Immigration Museum

Located in the historic Old Customs House on Flinders Street, Melbourne’s Immigration Museum is one of the city’s most powerful cultural attractions. Rather than focusing on dates and statistics, the museum tells deeply human stories—of journeys, identity, resilience, and belonging—that explain how migration has shaped modern Australia.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Melbourne, a history enthusiast, or someone interested in social justice and multiculturalism, the Immigration Museum offers a moving and thought-provoking experience that feels both personal and universal.

The Immigration Museum explores Australia’s immigration history through personal narratives, multimedia installations, and interactive exhibits. It highlights the experiences of Indigenous communities, early European settlers, post-war migrants, refugees, and recent arrivals—showing how each group has contributed to the country’s evolving identity.

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the museum blends historic architecture with modern exhibition design, making it both visually striking and emotionally engaging.

What You’ll See Inside

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum’s core galleries focus on themes such as identity, belonging, and citizenship. Exhibits encourage visitors to reflect on questions like “What does it mean to be Australian?” and “Who gets to belong?”

Interactive stations allow you to:

• Listen to first-person migration stories
• Explore changing immigration policies over time
• Engage with questions around race, culture, and national identity

These exhibitions are designed to spark conversation and self-reflection rather than deliver one-sided narratives.

Temporary & Rotating Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent displays, the Immigration Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore contemporary migration issues, global displacement, cultural expression, and social change. These rotating shows ensure that no two visits feel exactly the same.

The Old Customs House: A Historic Setting

The museum is located in Melbourne’s Old Customs House, a heritage-listed building that once played a key role in regulating goods and people entering Australia. Its grand columns, high ceilings, and riverfront location add historical depth to the visitor experience—connecting the building’s original purpose with the stories now told inside.

Why Visit the Immigration Museum?

The Immigration Museum stands out because it feels relevant, inclusive, and emotionally grounded. It doesn’t just teach history—it invites visitors to see themselves within it.

This attraction is especially meaningful for:

• Travelers wanting deeper cultural context beyond landmarks
• Families looking for educational but engaging experiences
• Newcomers to Australia exploring shared histories
• Visitors interested in social history and human rights

Many guests leave feeling more connected—not just to Australia, but to the global human experience of migration.

Visitor Tips & Practical Information

• Location: Corner of Flinders Street & Market Street, Melbourne CBD
• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience
• Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and seating areas
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for older children and teens; interactive elements help keep younger visitors engaged

The museum is easy to combine with a walk along the Yarra River, a visit to Federation Square, or lunch in the CBD.

How the Immigration Museum Fits Into a Melbourne Itinerary

The Immigration Museum pairs perfectly with other cultural stops like:

• ACMI or the NGV for arts and media
• Federation Square for city life and events
• Southbank for dining and riverside walks

It’s an ideal attraction for travelers who want to understand Melbourne beyond its coffee culture and laneways.

‍