Close-up view of the Islamic Museum of Australia building façade, featuring geometric patterns and large Arabic calligraphy, with the museum’s name displayed along the top edge.
Wide view of the Islamic Museum of Australia building from the street, showing its modern geometric design, white patterned walls with Arabic calligraphy, and a rust-coloured metal entrance structure under a cloudy sky.
A photograph from an overhead perspective, a scene at the Islamic Museum of Australia showing an interactive chess exhibit with slightly oversized black and white pieces positioned on a dark brown floor. Multiple families and children are gathered around the chess set, viewing it from different angles. The scene includes informational panels on the walls and a large screen showing educational content. Visitors are arranged in a semi-circle around the chess set, creating an educational experience where people can learn about the game's cultural significance.
Interior hallway of the Islamic Museum of Australia with glass walls and handrails, illuminated by an artistic light installation that creates reflections resembling stars or floating particles along the corridor.

Islamic Museum of Australia

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Architect/Designer: Desypher Architects. New exhibition design by Arterial.

Description

The Islamic Museum of Australia is the first centre of its kind in the country, established in 2010 as a not-for-profit community foundation dedicated to sharing the artistic, cultural and historical contributions of Islamic civilisation and Muslim communities in Australia and in Islamic societies abroad. Purpose-built as a civic cultural space, the Museum brings together architecture, art and storytelling to create an environment of openness, learning and connection.

Showcasing diverse Islamic art forms including architecture, calligraphy, painting, glass, ceramics and textiles, the Museum offers visitors an immersive experience of cultural heritage through contemporary design and accessible public spaces. Its galleries and communal areas are designed to encourage dialogue, curiosity and participation, making the building not only a place of exhibition, but a shared community environment.

Guided by a mission to foster cross-cultural understanding and community harmony, the Islamic Museum of Australia functions as both a cultural institution and a community hub. It provides educational programs, creative experiences and inclusive spaces that support belonging and shared identity.

As a living cultural space, the Museum embodies generosity through knowledge-sharing, hospitality and openness, offering visitors a meaningful encounter with architecture, culture and community in the heart of Melbourne’s multicultural landscape.

What's On

The Islamic Museum of Australia will offer a self-guided visitor experience, allowing audiences to explore the Museum’s galleries independently. Visitors can engage with exhibitions showcasing Islamic art, architecture, history, science and cultural heritage through curated displays and interpretive material.

Children's Activities

A free open craft room will be available for visitors to drop in, get creative, and enjoy a range of fun art and craft activities at their own pace.

Images: (1-4) Islamic Museum of Australia building. All photos: courtesy Islamic Museum of Australia.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Saturday 25 July
Open access 10am—4pm

Bookings

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meeting Point

Parking available onsite or on 19 Anderson road (two doors down). There is also street parking available.
Enter through the front door. A volunteer will direct visitors on how to get around the museum. No food or drink allowed inside.

Accessibility

Ramp or level (step free) entry, Lift access to all public levels, Accessible bathrooms, Parent's Room, Assistance animals welcome, All ages

The building is fully accessible with lift access to all levels. Accessible toilets are on the bottom level.

Location

15a Anderson Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country

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