Science on Show

Some of the most unique and rare specimens from Museum Victoria's vast natural sciences collection will leave the research lab for a one-day only public display on Sunday 18 May. As part of International Museums Day celebrations, visitors will have a special opportunity to view these fascinating fauna and minerals up close.

The 'Science on Show" program, running all day at Melbourne Museum, will feature Museum Victoria scientists speaking about their work. Participating experts and collections will include palaeontology, marine biology, herpetology, birds and mammals, entomology, live exhibits, and mineralogy.

'The event is a rare chance to see beyond the relatively small part of the State's natural history collection on permanent display at Melbourne Museum," said Science on Show organiser Vera Gin.

'Among the unique items on display will be the skull of the iconic sabre-tooth cat Smilodon fatalis, Museum Victoria's two-metre long Cretaceous marine crocodile Dyrosaurus, penguins and leopard seals, live stick insects and scorpions. Visitors will also see specimens of growling grass frog, tiger snake, and the now extinct gastric-brooding frog."

The Museum's highly-skilled multimedia specialists will be on hand to discuss the art of wildlife photography and videography, while visitors can also learn how to identify some of the state's most beautiful wildlife through the free Museum Victoria Field Guide app.

Science on Show is free with entry to Melbourne Museum, between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 18 May.