Whatever destination you’re looking at, Time Out’s ‘best things to do’ lists almost always feature a must-see museum. These cultural institutions hold the secrets of our favourite cities, preserving treasures from centuries past while offering glimpses of what our planet could look like in the future. To mark International Museum Day (May 18), Time Out’s editors shared some of their favourite underrated museums around the world that often hide in the shadows of their bigger counterparts. Three Australian museums feature on the list, and we think they’re well worth adding to the itinerary for your next city break.
Chau Chak Wing Museum, Sydney
‘Hidden in the grounds of the University of Sydney, this treasure trove of a museum hasn't been around all that long (it opened in late 2020), but it has been generations in the making. The curation is more poetic than analytical – bringing together diverse artefacts from archives of art, historic antiquities, and scientific specimens – offering visitors a fresh perspective, and challenging colonial narratives.’ – Alannah Le Cross, Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Editor
MOD, Adelaide
‘This free, futuristic museum is like no other in the country, blending art and science in a super interactive way. Across the museum’s seven interactive spaces, you’ll find all sorts of touchscreens, drawing pads and building blocks designed to challenge how we think about the future. Here, you’ll also find Australia’s first Science on a Sphere: a glowing six-foot, 3D video globe that morphs into different planets – one day it’s the Earth, the next, the moon or even Mars.’ – Melissa Woodley, Time Out Australia Travel and News Editor
Museum of Desire, Melbourne
‘This newcomer to Melbourne's museum scene is an adults-only, multi-sensory space designed to celebrate all things love, pleasure, and yes, sex. With more than 25 amorous activations, it's all about flirty fun with an aim to switch up social norms around desire and sexuality.’ – Leah Glynn, Time Out Melbourne Editor
You can check out more of the world’s most underrated museums here.