A large cube-like building on top on a hill. The front has the word museum.
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS: The Museum of the Riverina - Botanic Gardens site has been made easier to access from the Botanic Gardens after the upgrade of the western end of Lord Baden Powell Drive.
Arts & Culture

Museum of the Riverina record breaking visitation during January

Published: 23 Feb 2024 1:16pm

The Museum of the Riverina’s newly redeveloped Botanic Gardens site experienced a record month for visitation with 2,055 people attending the museum site in January 2024.

The increase in visitation coincided with the museum’s summer holiday programming which included a series of drop-in activities, workshops and free giveaways such as cold water and sunscreen to help visitors stay sun safe.

On the first and third Sundays the Museum also opened the Museum Station in partnership with the Willans Hill Miniature Railway, to welcome new audiences.

A miniature railway station with the sign
ALL ABOARD: Visitation to the Museum in January was boosted by the Museum Station of the Willans Hill Miniature Railway being open for visitors to hop on and off the trains.

Education and Public Programs Officer Angus Cawdell-Smith said “it was really great to see so many people in the Museum enjoying the new exhibition areas and activities on offer.”

Museum Manager Luke Grealy is pleased with the January results.

“The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many of the visitors during this period being locals who hadn’t visited the Museum at the Botanic Gardens site before,” Mr Grealy said.

“This is our first January of operation since we reopened after completing the major capital works program to create new exhibition areas along with a community learning space.

“This level of visitation and the positive feedback from our community on the importance of providing free and affordable activities for families during the school holidays has been really pleasing.”

A miniature railway station with the sign
ALL ABOARD: Visitation to the Museum in January was boosted by the Museum Station of the Willans Hill Miniature Railway being open for visitors to hop on and off the trains.

The museum saw an increase in repeat visitation during January from local residents with their visiting friends and relatives and are looking forward to welcoming new and repeat visitors during the autumn school holidays.

The museum team are currently planning their autumn school holiday programs, which will feature free badgemaking and zooper doopers and the Museum Station will be open to allow visitors access from the Willans Hill Miniature Railway.

There will also be tote bag making, mug decorating and children’s birdwatching workshops on offer.

A miniature railway station with the sign
ALL ABOARD: Visitation to the Museum in January was boosted by the Museum Station of the Willans Hill Miniature Railway being open for visitors to hop on and off the trains.

Running from Saturday 13 April to Sunday 28 April 2024, more information on the museum’s autumn school holiday program will be available soon via museumriverina.com.au

Further information

For further information, group or individual bookings please contact the museum’s Education and Public Programs Officer Angus Cawdell-Smith on 6926 9654 or cawdellsmith.angus@wagga.nsw.gov.au

https://museumriverina.com.au

Museum of the Riverina - Botanic Gardens site is located on Lord Baden Powell Drive, Turvey Park.