Permanent collection

Galleries

Five permanent galleries offering a unique glimpse into the rich contributions of Muslims to Australia and the world.

Islamic Faith Civilisations Islamic Art Islamic Architecture Australian Muslim History

Gallery 01

Islamic Faith

Our reimagined Faith Gallery now includes a dedicated Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) display.

This revitalised gallery features interactive touchscreens, immersive audiovisual systems and thoughtfully curated educational content designed to engage and inspire. At its heart is a powerful new display honouring the life, teachings and legacy of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), aiming for deeper understanding and reflection.

Blending tradition with innovation, the new Faith Gallery offers a dynamic journey through the core beliefs and history of Islam in a contemporary and accessible format.

Try this

Explore the interactive touchscreens and audiovisual displays.

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) display
Interactive touchscreens
Immersive audiovisual

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government for the development of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) display, and thank the Islamic Council of Victoria for co-designing its content.

Gallery 02

Islamic Contributions to Civilisations

This gallery showcases the ingenious discoveries and contributions made by Muslim trailblazers as early as 1000 CE.

Visitors will be impressed as they learn of the original and derived innovations which built upon and influenced later developments across Western Europe. The Islamic legacies behind commonplace items like coffee, alkaline soap, cameras, vaccinations and guitars are narrated through an engaging display of artefacts, photographs, videos and games.

Try this

Play a friendly round of chess with the jumbo board and pieces in the centre of the room.

Coffee
Alkaline soap
Cameras
Vaccinations
Guitars

Artefacts in the Islamic Contributions to Civilisations gallery

Gallery 03

Islamic Art

Challenge your preconceived ideas of what Islamic art looks like.

In this gallery, visitors will gaze in awe at the impressive scope of artistic styles practised by Muslim and non-Muslim artists.

Guests will gain insight into the contemporary Australian experience as artists explore themes of identity, faith and culture through their craft.

Try this

Run your hand across the textured surface of Anisa Sharif’s exquisite mosaic.

Abdul Abdullah, five-time Archibald Prize finalist
Anisa Sharif mosaic

Gallery 04

Islamic Architecture

Step inside some of the world’s most stunning secular and religious buildings via the large-scale photographs in this gallery.

Through a visual map journeying across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia, visitors will discover that Islamic architecture is not bound by a strict definition; rather, it is a vast, original and nuanced vocabulary that considers the historical, social and functional needs of its context.

Try this

Stand inside our minaret, decorated with Islamic calligraphy, and hear what it sounds like. A great photo opportunity.

Middle East
Europe
Africa
Asia

Large-scale photographs in the Islamic Architecture gallery

Gallery 05

Australian Muslim History

Uncover an unknown part of Australian history in this fascinating and interactive gallery.

Visitors will be amazed as they trace the intercultural exchange between Makassan fishermen and Northern Australian Indigenous communities before European settlement in 1788 CE. Another section of the exhibition pays homage to the Afghan cameleers, highlighting their important contributions to our country’s infrastructure and economy.

Guests are invited to learn more about the Muslims within their local communities as they recount their migration stories through videos, text panels and personal effects.

Try this

Spot the familiar faces from sport, business, government and the arts in the final display celebrating notable Australian Muslims.

Makassan traders
Afghan cameleers
Migration stories
Notable Australian Muslims

Photography by Tania Jovanovic. Exhibition design and multimedia production by Arterial Design.

Visit the galleries

All five in one visit.

Walk through faith, science, art, architecture and Australian history in a single visit, then stop by the cafe.

Open

Monday – Saturday
10am – 4pm

Groups of 15+

Book a guided tour

1 · Choose a day

2 · Tickets

Adult · $16
0
Student / concession · $14
Valid ID required
0
Child · $10
5–17 years
0
Family · $45
2 adults + 2 children
0

Total $0.00

Children 4 and under and teachers with a valid registration ID enter free. Companion Card holders bring a companion free.

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