The Australian National Maritime Museum has reported great attendances so far for its new permanent attraction,Action Stations. For people who haven’t seen it, what doesAction Stationsinvolve?
Action Stationsis our recently launched $12 million cutting-edge attraction at Darling Harbour which offers an insight into life at sea. It features a cinematic experience and a high-tech discovery and exploration space, including a pair of bespoke design steel tables which showcase 22 interactive and digital products. A favourite in Action Stations is the virtual reality periscope, or for those selfie-lovers, one of the elements allows you to email a photo of yourself with a projected navy tattoo. The vessels have been completely revamped with multimedia projections and soundscapes, which bring the visitor experience to life.
Who makes up the target audience for Action Stations?
With a real multimedia focus, Action Stations is great for people of all ages – from families to teens to the Gen Y digital nerds, people interested in design and architecture or film.
The museum gets many visitors from interstate and overseas, but what would you say to locals who haven’t been a tourist in their own city for a while?
I would say, what are you waiting for? Come down and check out the transformation and rejuvenation of the whole Darling Harbour landscape and discover Action Stations. The museum’s main galleries are now free, and we also have a wonderful restaurant called YOTS where you can grab cheap eats with friends and family at one of the best waterside locations!
What do you see as the main goals for the museum in 2016?
To be a must-visit museum in the rapidly changing cultural and entertainment precinct of Sydney. To reconnect people with Australia’s maritime history, a connection which has been somewhat lost. To strive for innovation as an institution through offering exciting content that continues to be relevant to an increasingly digital generation. To support and promote indigenous maritime heritage – our Living Waters exhibition from the Eora Gallery is currently being showcased at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco’s indigenous maritime art exhibition, which was opened by Prince Albert II.
What are some of the other highlights on the calendar this year?
From April 15-17, we host the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival. Ships, Clocks And Stars – The Quest For Longitude runs from May 5 – October 30. Vivid Festival is on from May 27 – June 18, and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year in July.
Check out Action Stations at theAustralian National Maritime Museum.
