Museum Archives and Research Library

The Museum Archives and Research Library cares for the Museum’s institutional memory and its historic natural history book and journal collections dating from 1836.

Our collections

Our Archives holds permanent Museum records kept because they are valuable for legal, administrative or historical research. The earliest records include the Minutes of the Committee of Superintendence from June 1836 and Outward Letters books from 1837.

The Research Library holds one of the finest natural history book and journal collections in Australia, including over 9,000 rare books. Established in 1836, the Library specialises in material relating to zoology, taxonomy, cultural collections, earth sciences and museology.

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Collection areas

Early image of Australian Museum exterior from Hyde Park.

Australian Museum Archives

The Australian Museum Archives cares for our institutional memory.

Collected papers
Photographic archives
History

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Research Library

Discover our historic natural history book and journal collections.

Rare books
Scientific publications
Journals

Rare books

The Research Library holds a significant collection of rare books. This collection is regularly used in the work of Museum scientists.

Australian Museum photographic collections

Discover some of the hidden treasures in our photographic collections.

Expedition photography
Staff photographers

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Historical artefacts collection

Our collection of historical objects, memorabilia and artefacts help tell the story of the history and development of the Australian Museum.

Exhibition displays
Research tools

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Journals & Publications

Since 1827, studies on Australian Museum collections, or studies that more generally lead to a better understanding of the unique natural and cultural history of Australia and the Pacific, have been published by the Museum.

Scientific journals
Staff publications
Museum publications

Australian Museum Archival images 200 Treasures

History by the decade

For two centuries, the Australian Museum has been the leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth, and culture in Australia and the Pacific — through world-leading scientific research, education, and First Nations engagement.

Timelines
Past exhibitions
Museum people