Sydney: Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition Entry Ticket

We recently looked into the RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition at the Australian Museum in Sydney, and it’s quite a different experience from your typical museum visit. This show combines vintage objects with intricate LEGO® brick worlds, offering a playful twist that appeals to both kids and adults. What makes it stand out? It’s the clever way it turns abandoned relics into tiny civilizations, bringing a light-hearted but thought-provoking look at our future Earth.

We love the interactive build space, the creative design of the displays, and the custom scavenger hunt tailored for different age groups. However, a possible snag is that during busy times, the exhibition can get crowded — as some visitors have noted, it might take extra patience to get close to the exhibits. Still, if you’re a LEGO® enthusiast or traveling with curious kids, this unique display is worth considering. It suits those who enjoy imaginative storytelling, a bit of environmental reflection, and fun, family-friendly activities.

Key Points

• Creative Fusion: The exhibition combines vintage artifacts with LEGO® minifigure civilizations, offering a fascinating mix of old and new.
• Interactive Experience: The build space and scavenger hunts make it engaging for all ages.
• Accessible Design: Step-free access, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and free audio guides enhance the visit.
• Value for Money: The ticket offers a unique, playful perspective at a reasonable price, especially when paired with other museum exhibits.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for children and adults, with some environmental themes presented in a playful manner.
• Potential Crowds: During peak times, expect some hustle and bustle, which may impact your viewing pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition

The RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition takes visitors into a speculative future set in the year 2130, where humans have left Earth, and tiny LEGO® civilizations now thrive inside discarded objects. These miniature worlds inside vintage radios, arcade machines, suitcases, and pianos tell stories of what might have been, blending nostalgia with sci-fi.

The Concept and Setting

The idea behind the exhibition is both playful and a touch sobering. It’s a future where, after resource depletion, life persists in tiny communities inside relics of the past. Visitors are invited to explore these miniature cities, marvel at the meticulous LEGO® craftsmanship, and discover stories hidden in each scene.

The Displays and Highlights

• 14 detailed displays combine vintage objects with LEGO® worlds created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler. These displays are crafted with enough detail to hold your attention and invite close inspection.
• The custom scavenger hunt adds a layer of fun, with different versions designed for children and adults. It encourages visitors to really look for clues and hidden details within each scene.
• The interactive build space allows visitors to create and display their own LEGO® projects. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a casual fan, this space offers a chance to get hands-on.
• The audio description guide is a thoughtful addition, particularly for visitors with accessibility needs. Remember to bring your device and headphones to enhance your experience.

The Experience and Atmosphere

The exhibition’s narrative is set in the year 2130, in a future where Earth has been abandoned due to environmental collapse. We loved the way the exhibits combine sci-fi themes with nostalgia, prompting reflection on resource use and environmental sustainability — all presented in a playful, accessible way.

From reviews, it’s clear that the exhibition is well-made, with many detailed scenes that reward close inspection. Visitors have noted the clever details hidden in the displays, which makes it a fun challenge for kids and adults alike.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Crowds and Timing

During busy periods, especially in school holidays, the exhibition draws a lot of visitors, leading to some crowded scenes. One reviewer mentioned the need to allow extra time to see everything, as it can get quite busy. This is worth considering if you’re planning a visit during peak times, as patience may be required.

The Gift Shop and Additional Offers

After exploring the exhibits, don’t miss the museum shop, which offers RELICS-themed souvenirs, LEGO® sets, and the exhibition book. It’s a good spot to pick up a keepsake or gift for younger family members or yourself.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking and exploring at your own pace.
• Bring a camera and charged smartphone — snapping details and shots of your own creations is part of the fun.
• Check availability and opening times before booking, especially during busy periods.
• The ticket includes step-free access and wheelchair-friendly facilities, making the experience accessible to all.
• The exhibition is suitable for families and children, with some environmental themes woven into the playful setup.

Is This Experience Worth It?

Thinking about value, the ticket price is quite reasonable for the unique combination of vintage relics and LEGO® creativity. Visitors have said the exhibition is “really well made” and “super fun,” especially for kids. The interactive elements and the chance to build your own LEGO® creations make it more than just a display — it’s an engaging, memorable experience.

However, some visitors feel it may not be a complete must-see for those not particularly interested in LEGO® or nostalgic objects, with one review mentioning that the price might not be justified for some. Still, if you enjoy creative displays, storytelling, or are traveling with children, it’s likely to be a delightful stop.

Who Should Consider Visiting?

This exhibition is ideal for families with children, LEGO® enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future and environmental themes presented in a playful way. The accessible design and interactive build zone make it a fun, inclusive outing. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking to add a creative, light-hearted activity to your Sydney itinerary without spending too much time.

Final Thoughts

The Australian Museum RELICS exhibition offers a fresh, imaginative take on the concept of relics and future Earth. Its charm lies in the detailed LEGO® worlds, the interactive activities, and the thought-provoking themes, all wrapped in a playful presentation suitable for all ages.

While it can get crowded during peak times, the overall experience is engaging and fun, especially if you appreciate craftsmanship, storytelling, or environmental reflections. It’s a worthwhile visit if you want a break from the more traditional museum offerings and are seeking something memorable and creative.

For travelers eager to explore Sydney’s museum scene with a twist, this exhibit delivers a delightful blend of nostalgia and sci-fi that’s hard to find elsewhere. Just bring your patience, your camera, and your playful spirit.

FAQs

What is included in the ticket?
The ticket grants entry to the RELICS exhibition at the Australian Museum, access to the displays, the interactive build space, scavenger hunt, and the audio description guide.

Is the exhibition suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed with families in mind. The displays are engaging for kids, and the scavenger hunt is tailored for different age groups.

Can I buy souvenirs at the museum?
Absolutely. The museum shop offers RELICS-themed souvenirs, LEGO® gifts, and the exhibition book, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

Is the exhibition accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the Australian Museum provides step-free access and accessible facilities, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

How long should I plan to spend here?
While the exhibition is designed to be explored at your own pace, a typical visit might take around 1-2 hours, but allow extra time if crowds are heavy.

Are there any environmental themes?
Yes, the exhibition subtly addresses themes like resource depletion and environmental change, presented through playful LEGO® scenes set in a future Earth.

Can I take photos inside?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but it’s best to confirm upon arrival for any restrictions.

Is it worth the price?
Most visitors find the experience engaging and worth the ticket price, especially considering the creative displays and interactive elements.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a fully charged smartphone, and a camera are recommended to capture memories and explore the exhibits.

When is the best time to visit?
To avoid crowds, try visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays. Peak times like school holidays may be busier but can still be enjoyable with patience.

In all, the RELICS exhibition at the Australian Museum offers an imaginative escape that gets you thinking about the future while having fun with LEGO®. It’s a creative, family-friendly experience that leaves a lasting impression—perfect for those who love a bit of whimsy mixed with environmental reflection.

You can check availability for your dates here: