Koorie Heritage Trust, Indigenous cultural center in Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia.
The Koorie Heritage Trust is a museum in Federation Square, Melbourne, dedicated to documenting Aboriginal culture in southeastern Australia. Its collection brings together paintings, artifacts, books, videos, and photographs into one comprehensive archive.
The trust was established in 1985 when Uncle Jim Berg, Ron Castan, and Ron Merkel worked to reclaim Aboriginal cultural materials held by other institutions. This founding marked a turning point in returning cultural control to Aboriginal communities themselves.
The center serves as a gathering place for Aboriginal communities, where language classes, storytelling sessions, and art workshops happen regularly. Visitors experience how these cultural practices keep traditions alive and connected to the present day.
The museum sits in an accessible part of Federation Square and offers guided tours as well as access to research archives for those wanting to explore in depth. Allow time to move through different sections and to speak with staff about areas that interest you.
The collection came together over decades through Aboriginal families choosing to place their belongings and stories here. This personal origin of the objects sets it apart from other museums and makes it a living record of the community.
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