CURIOSITY

A temporary exhibition featuring works by Port Macquarie U3A Textile & Fibre artists and selected objects from the museum's collection. In 2022 with the support of Arts Mid North Coast through the NSW Government’s Country Arts Support Program (CASP), the artists explored the theme of creative curiosity through a series of workshops with art tutor Vivianne Hazenveld. The featured artworks explore curiosity using a variety of techniques, form and materials.

BOTANICAL

An exhibition inspired by and featuring Botanical Scrapbooks created by Port Macquarie U3A textile and fibre artists together with objects and artworks from the museum's extensive collection. Australia's flora has and continues to inspire creativity. The exhibition explores the use of Australian and other floral motifs in decorative arts and everyday items of the past.

SOVEREIGN SOUVENIRS

This temporary exhibition features souvenirs from Royal visits to Australia, coronations, ceremonies and commemorations, including births, marriages and even deaths of Royal family members. As we note the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, we explore our fascination with the British Royal Family through the souvenirs, mementoes and items of memorabilia collected by community members over the years.

OLD BOOKS NEW LOOKS

A digital story telling exhibition reimaging Annabella Boswell's archives by artist Mic Rees. Mic was drawn to Annabella's beautiful sketches and watercolour paintings choosing 7 artworks to retell in animation.The artworks have the appearance of being redrawn in front of the viewer, then are digitally framed with a brief quote from Annabella's diaries. Selected items from Annabella's archives are also on display.

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20 DECADES 21 STORIES

Explore Port Macquarie's history as a European settlement in this exhibition trail throughout the Museum featuring selected objects and images. The exhibition examines 21 themes across the past 20 decades to reveal how life has changed for the people of Port Macquarie over the past 200 years.

Exhibition Guide

WW2 AT HOME & ABROAD

Australia’s involvement in World War 2 began on 3 September 1939 and ended on 14 August 1945. Almost a million Australian men and women served in the war. Those who remained at home supported the war effort by training, working, fund raising and ‘making do’. This exhibition explores the impact of World War 2 and highlights the contributions of local people.

WHATS NEW

Our collection has been gathered over the past 66 years, mostly due to the generosity of members of the public who have donated items. Each year we add to the collection in accordance with our collection policy. Sometimes items are displayed immediately, for others it will be some years before they are exhibited in one of our many themed exhibitions. What’s New is an opportunity to view some of the items recently added to our collection.

THE COLOURS GREEN

Inspired by a quote by author J. R. R. Tolkien "For still there are so many things that I have never seen: in every wood in every spring there is a different green" (The Fellowship of the Ring). The Colours Green is a celebration of spring and the colour green.

GOOD SPORTS

Good Sports explores the sporting achievements of many of our local citizens, sporting groups and teams. From cricket to hockey, surf life saving to football, and cycling to lawn bowls, we've got it covered. Medals, trophies, uniforms and photographs are featured.

MUSICAL NOTES

Stories about local musicians, bands, music teachers and their contributions to entertainment, education, celebrations, commemorations and life.

SCHOOL DAYS

Revisit your school days and view objects from local school students, teachers and schools, School Days is an exhibition about going to school and the treasured keepsakes, prizes and work books kept by students and teachers over many generations.

TEA STORIES

Discover Port Macquarie's history through the humble teapot and other tea treasures. At sporting competitions, birthdays, celebrations, fund raisers, linen teas, tea rooms, surf carnivals and river regattas, afternoon tea has played an important role. There is more to tea than meets the eye.

TOURISTS PARADISE

Port Macquarie is known for its beautiful river and coastal setting, nearby pristine hinterland and ideal climate. It is a place of happy memories for generations of holiday makers. Explore Port Macquarie's tourism history and discover why Port Macquarie is the Tourists Paradise.

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TIMBER!

Timber! tells the story of timber-getting, milling and the everyday lives of timber workers in the Hastings. The timber trade is the area’s oldest commercial industry and was once the main source of employment and wealth for the region.

OUR RIVERS OUR HISTORY

Revealing stories of our rich river and maritime history. You can explore this award winning online exhibition anytime.

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RUB A DUB DUB

Inspired by our very own in-ground water tank, this exhibition explores the use of water in local domestic life. Keeping clean was hard work!

PORT MACQUARIE BEGINNINGS

This permanent exhibition tells the story of Port Macquarie’s beginnings. Home to the Birpai people, Port Macquarie was settled as a British penal establishment in 1821. Free settlement commenced from 1830.

INNES -THE MAN AND HIS MANSION

This exhibition features objects from the once prestigious home of Archibald Clunes Innes built at Lake Innes, near Port Macquarie between 1830 and 1843. Objects from the house and family give an insight into life at the once grand colonial estate.

FEDERATION COMES TO PORT

Discover the story of Port Macquarie’s important role in the history of Australia’s Federation. Why is there a statue of Edmund Barton, Australia’s first Prime Minister on Port Macquarie’s Town Green? Visit the exhibition to find out!

COSTUME GALLERY

Inspired by Annabella Boswell’s journals, the costume gallery exhibits many local women’s crafts, textiles and costumes from our significant and extensive collection. Contemporary clothing is also featured.

ALL AFLOAT

Port Macquarie has a rich and unique maritime history. All afloat features a snap shot of our many maritime activities and disasters, from the wrecking of Ben Boyd’s yacht The Wanderer in 1851 to regattas on the Hastings River.

Visit us Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm.