The eagerly anticipated upgrade of the National Sports Museum, now known as the Australian Sports Museum, was revealed on 29 February 2020, with a grand re-opening at the MCG.
Seven months after its closure in August 2019, the heart of Gate 3 reopened to the public with a new look, new feel and new name.Following a $17.1 million investment, the space was transformed into an immersive, interactive and informative sports hub.
The new museum is championed with cutting-edge technology – from touch screens to avatars, including two new, life-sized holograms of Bachar Houli (Richmond AFL) and Tayla Harris (Carlton AFLW). With seven galleries featuring 95 different sports, the Australian Sports Museum is no ordinary museum, showcasing sporting memorabilia from grassroots football clubs all the way to the Olympics.
The opening weekend, which was preceded by a VIP Gala Night, was a hit – with sports fans and the sports-curious alike descending on Gate 3 to explore the new museum for the first time.
Although only open to the public for just over two weeks before temporarily closing in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the museum has proven popular among visitors and is sure to be an MCG drawcard in the future.
MCC President, Michael Happell, said the new museum is for everyone – from the passionate fans to the curious onlookers.
“Whether you are playing at the grassroots or witnessing the greats, sport is all about passion, excitement and energy, and that is exactly what we are delivering with the new Australian Sports Museum.
“We want the Australian Sports Museum to be a place that celebrates all aspects of sport in Australia. To give people, regardless of gender, race or background, a place to feel inspired, to feel involved and to feel important.”
The Australian Sports Museum is temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advice on reopening dates will be communicated via our website and social media channels. MCC Members receive a 20 per cent discount on all tickets.