museums Archives

Why museums are a keystone in fighting future pandemics: Kristofer Helgen

Talking Australia

Why museums are a keystone in fighting future pandemics: Kristofer Helgen

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The new Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute, Professor Kristofer Helgen talks about the future of the nation’s first museum. After a massive redevelopment the museum unlocked more than 3000sq.m of new public space and recently reopened its gates to the public. Helgen has an outstanding global research track-record and a deep understanding of museums after working for almost 10 years at the legendary Smithsonian´s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. On this episode Kristofer talks about his new role and the future of the Australian Museum. He also explains his recent comments about the crucial role of museums in fighting future pandemics and draws hope for fighting climate change from prior global issues that we seem to have overcome. This Episode of Talking Australia is hosted by Angela Heathcote (Digital Producer at Australian Geographic) and produced by Ben Kanthak (www.beachshackpodcasts.com). You can also follow us on Instagram @australiangeographic

News

This Aussie museum is dedicating a whole weekend to climate change action

Workshops, panel discussions and film screenings galore.

Science & Environment

Miranda Massie on the need for climate change museums

Miranda Massie is the Director of the Climate Museum in New York City and this week she visited the Australian Museum, giving her thoughts on the climate-change crisis, the role of museums and the work being done at the Museum.

History & Culture

Brazil museum fire: what are the chances it could happen to an Australian museum?

Fire is just one of many threats museums face; how well protected are the priceless collections stored in Australia?

Science & Environment

Gore into art: Meet the female taxidermists working in our museums

Skinning and gutting an animal is something many of us would never dare try but for these women in museums around Australia, it’s just another day at the office.

History & Culture

Inside the world of museum taxidermy

Jo Bain, who’s worked at the South Australian Museum as a taxidermist since the age of 15, guides Australian Geographic through the changing face of his beloved profession.

History & Culture

GALLERY: Treasures of the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum has officially opened its new permanent exhibition, 200 treasures of the Australian Museum, in partnership with Westpac. The exhibition— staged in the Long Gallery, Australia’s oldest museum gallery— now holds some of the country’s most precious items. These are some of the highlights.