As you walk along, keep an eye to your left. You'll spot the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery - it's that striking building with a blend of classic and modern architectural styles. It's surrounded by lush greenery, making it quite the standout!
Alright, now let’s dive into some fun facts about this grand place! The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, or QVMAG for short, is no ordinary museum. It's actually the largest museum in Australia that isn't in a capital city. Impressive, right?
Imagine this - the foundation stone was laid way back on June 21, 1887, by the Mayor of Launceston, Robert Carter. Initially, Alexander Morton from the Hobart museum was the honorary curator when the museum opened in 1891. Then Herbert Hedley Scott took over in 1897. Fun twist - in 1926, the name was tweaked to avoid any mix-ups with the state of Victoria.
This museum is packed with a dazzling array of colonial art, contemporary craft and design, and a deep dive into Tasmanian history and natural sciences. Look out for the zoology collection if you're an animal enthusiast!
Feeling cultural? There's even a full Chinese temple here that was used by 19th-century Chinese tin miners. It’s like stepping back in time. Plus, there's a working planetarium and exhibits showcasing Launceston's industrial past and railway history.
One of the remarkable items here is the Victoria Cross awarded to Lewis McGee. The museum’s collection is split between two locations - the Royal Park site and the Inveresk site, where the old Launceston Railway Workshops used to be.
Oh, and they've published some fascinating journals on Tasmanian ecology and history, including the Records of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. So, whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just curious, QVMAG definitely has something to tickle your fancy. Enjoy exploring!
