National Museum of Australia

All hands on deck! ⚓ Launched in 1878, the Paddle Steamer Enterprise is one of the oldest working paddle steamers in the world. Here, our wonderful conservators and volunteers are bringing the Enterprise back to the Museum after some scheduled maintenance.

It’s time to break the ice! ❄️ This is the RSV Nuyina, the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations. Nuyina is designed to break through ice that’s 1.65m thick. Book your tickets to ‘Antarctica’: nma.gov.au/antarctica

Born in Broken Hill on 28 May 1895, Aussie actress Vera Pearce made her film debut in a 1914 film called 'The Shepherd of the Southern Cross'. That film is referenced on the back of this 1915 postcard, which calls it, ‘the greatest of all Australian photo plays.'

Answer: This is a Marchant Model XL Rotary Calculator!

There are layers to this week's #MysteryObject! Are you cool enough to know what it is? 🥶 Drop your guess in the comments 👇

These school holidays, children (5-12) and accompanying adults can make their own penguin pal to take home! 📅 13 to 17 July, 10am to 12.30pm 🎟️ $5 per child, $5 per participating adult, free for accompanying (but not participating) adults Book now: nma.gov.au/antarctica/eve…

Answer: This is a snow penetrometer with case for measuring snow consistency/hardness!

📷: Expeditioners walking towards Mount Henderson, 1960. © George Cresswell/AAD

This Friday, teens (14-18) can step into the boots of early 1900s explorers in an exciting polar expedition role-playing experience. 📅 Friday 10 July, 10am – 1pm 🎟️ $20 per teen, $15 per ‘Friends’ teen Bookings essential: nma.gov.au/antarctica/eve…

We’ve run the numbers, and we don’t think you’ll be able to guess this week’s #MysteryObject But hey, give it a spin! 🛞 Let us know how you go. Leave your guess in the comments and we’ll drop the reveal on Monday.

Seen our 'Antarctica’ exhibition yet? Here are 5 handy tips for your visit: 1: Book tickets online! Spots fill up fast. 2: Plan transport. Parking is limited! 3: Come in the morning or afternoon 4: Check out the sealers' barrel 5: Experience the Aurora Australis projection

The Man from the Moon has landed in Newcastle!  This is the first stop of a national tour for the 'Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition'. Mr Squiggle inspired generations of children to draw. We can’t wait to share the magic around the country.

From incredible speeches to crew panels, Canberra sled dogs, performances by shanty singers and cosy hot chocolate, the first week of ‘Antarctica’ has been a winter treat. ‘Antarctica’ is on until October 11 | Tickets: nma.gov.au/antarctica

This #NAIDOCweek celebrates the milestone ‘50 Years of Deadly’ and today, we’re honouring Yorta Yorta elder William Cooper, an inspirational leader in the fight for recognition. In 1936, he helped found the Australian Aborigines’ League. Learn more: nma.gov.au/defining-momen…

What was inside someone’s bathroom cabinet in the 1930s? 🪥 This prophylactic dental powder recalls a time when hygiene products were packaged in metal and glass. It comes from our incredible Bothwell Museum collection.

Experience 'Antarctica' this weekend! 🎙️ Hear from Antarctica expeditioners 🎵 Experience the Canberra Shanty Singers 🐕‍🦺 Meet Canberra’s sled dogs (Saturday only) ❄️ Be transported with Antarctica VR! 📅 Sat 4 July–Sun 5 July, 10am–4pm More: nma.gov.au/antarctica/eve…

The ‘Antarctica’ exhibition is officially open! 🐧 Get up close with penguins and sled dogs, experience the beauty of the aurora australis, and track the midnight sun as we immerse you in a polar landscape. Open until 11 October | Book tickets: nma.gov.au/antarctica

Our install team is putting the finishing touches on ‘Antarctica’🐧 Opening tomorrow, the exhibition features creatures that once lived on Earth’s coldest continent, including emperor penguins and sled dogs used by expeditioners. Book tickets: nma.gov.au/antarctica

If you’re heading to Antarctica, don’t forget your jacket 🧥 This yellow cotton Ventile jacket was worn by Diana Patterson, the first woman to lead Mawson Station in Antarctica. ‘Antarctica’ opens on July 1 | Book tickets: nma.gov.au/antarctica

In 1839, the Zilm family arrived in South Australia from Prussia with about 50 other German families. Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Zilm hand-carved these chairs, later decorated by his son Paul with designs suggesting local Nugunu influences. 📷: Courtesy Kathy Zilm