National Communication Museum — Attraction in Melbourne

I really loved this museum. As someone who grew up in the 90s/00's it was an amazing way to connect with a nostalgic past, and amazing how many of the things were able to be played with, interacted with and more.

It blew me away that the computers upstairs were connected to not just the internet, but a version of the internet from the relevant time period for that computer!

I did notice however that when I visited on a weekday, the museum was deserted. Not complaining obviously - it was great to walk around a museum and be able to use/view everything without a wait! However it does indicate to me that the price point is simply too high. Entry was $35, and $28 for my friend who is on a concession, which is at the really steep end of museum entry for Melbourne. Especially considering that ACMI is free and covers a very similar subject matter, and doesn't require leaving the CBD.

Obviously this museum cannot access the funding that ACMI can, but I do think implementing some sort of weekday discount or demand-based pricing model would see this museum last well into the future, and not have to shutter due to low ticket sales throughout the week. This is a tourist's gem and an absolute must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates communication and technology, I would love for more people to be able to have...

This was a terrific volunteer run museum made up of dedicated ex Telstra staff and people with interest and knowledge in communications. Now headed by museum artsy types that appear to have made a mess of what looked to be a good concern that just needed fine tuning. The volunteer that showed my group through back in 2019 was just fantastic as well as the manager who was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable about history and provided me with some family details from a phone book collection that is held, I now hear that they have removed that person and the last 'Telstra' person that understands the setup. Also, builders I know said there was a significant asbestos incident with many people exposed and that is why the front is still boarded up?? It is a charity too - so where is all the money coming from? The volunteers don't seem to be around either, they are the reason this exists as I understand -...

Went last Sunday with my brother and nephew on a whim.

Walked away impressed with the excellent range of exhibits on display, covering the various ways how humans reached out to one another over great distances. Good to see a balance of retrospective versus recent events leading into tomorrow's world.

Among the various interesting exhibits a visitor can interact with, the museum's preserved old telephone exchange was a standout. Thanks goes out to the voluntary staff member, who was extremely helpful in answering questions and added to our positive experience overall.

Will definitely be going back soon!

PS: One suggestion I'd like to add for the display lineup: Where possible, I would add a a cutaway-view of a decomissioned mobile base station unit...