Australian National Maritime Museum, Maritime museum in Darling Harbour, Australia
The Australian National Maritime Museum is a national maritime museum on the waterfront in Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia. The complex includes several exhibition halls and an outdoor area with historic ships moored at the wharf.
The government established the museum by act of parliament in 1983 and commissioned architect Philip Cox to design the buildings. The institution began collecting ships and maritime objects after opening in January 1991.
The Aboriginal catamaran nawi demonstrates traditional seafaring techniques of Indigenous coastal peoples who built boats for thousands of years. Visitors see the connection between early navigation methods and modern maritime skills.
The main galleries have free admission while tours through the submarine and sailing vessels require additional tickets. The museum sits directly on the harbour water with access via walkways from Pyrmont Bridge.
The restoration team works on boats in open workshops where visitors can watch wood repairs and sail maintenance. The destroyer warship Vampire sits next to the submarine and shows engine rooms from the 1950s.
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