The Territory Labor Government has delivered a 10 Year Museums Master Plan for Darwin and Palmerston to guide future investment, services and programs for the region’s museum sector.

The museum sector covers museums, galleries, libraries, art centres, keeping places and archives, and stakeholder consultation with the sector has informed the delivery of the Master Plan.

The Master Plan will ensure that infrastructure works in the sector over the next 10 years will provide new and unique experiences that draw more people to the Territory, create jobs and opportunities for emerging talent and industry, and foster new interpretations and discovery.

It includes five projects recommended for delivery within the next five years. 

1.     An art gallery in Darwin CBD 

A new gallery space to showcase the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory’s (MAGNT) art collections, and significant national and international travelling collections.

The gallery will help revitalise and increase activity in the city centre, encourage visitation, feature outdoor spaces that connect with green spaces and provide more opportunities for local participation in arts programs, special events, festivals, and other public programs.

This project is part of the historic $200 million City Deal, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government and City of Darwin.

2.     MAGNT Bullocky Point Master Plan 

Developing a new Art Gallery in the Darwin CBD provides an opportunity to revisit and reshape the future direction and visitor experiences at the MAGNT Bullocky Point facility.  

The master planning exercise will engage with the MAGNT Board, stakeholders, and the community, to explore the further opportunities of the Bullocky Point site. 

3.     Co-located library in a Darwin CBD Education and Civic Precinct

A feature of the Darwin City Deal, the Precinct will include a new city campus for Charles Darwin University (CDU) and will promote Darwin as a centre for excellence in education.  A proposed new co-located library will house collections held by the Northern Territory Government, CDU and the City of Darwin. 

4.     Larrakia Cultural Centre

A new cultural facility to acknowledge and celebrate the historical and ongoing contribution of Larrakia culture.  Developed by the Larrakia Development Corporation, the centre will showcase the linkages with other Aboriginal groups, teach and promote the Larrakia language, history and culture, and provide commercial and creative spaces for local Aboriginal artists and craftspeople.

5.     Darwin and Palmerston routes for the Territory Arts Trail

The Darwin and Palmerston routes will include art and cultural attractions from MAGNT, independent museums, galleries and arts centres, and events such as the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, and the National Indigenous Music Awards.

The Master Plan will see the routes developed through the construction and upgrading of existing galleries, art centres, and other cultural facilities.

Additional potential projects for future investment are identified in the Master Plan for possible delivery in the longer term.

View the Master Plan. 

Quotes from the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“The Territory Labor Government recognises that the museums sector is an important economic driver through job creation and tourism, and long-term planning allows industry the opportunity to invest in the future.

“Museums, galleries and libraries are an important part of life for Territorians as a stimulus and a resource for learning and creative endeavours.”

Quotes from Chair Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, Clare Martin AO:

“MAGNT is enthusiastic about the investment the Northern Territory Government is making in arts and culture.

“We are working collaboratively on the Plan to support the delivery of world-class, contemporary museum and gallery experiences in the Territory for our community and visitors.”

Media Contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858