MAGNT Darwin
Set in a scenic location overlooking
Fannie Bay in Darwin, MAGNT is home to internationally renowned artistic, cultural and scientific collections and research programs.
Each year MAGNT presents a dynamic program of internally-developed exhibitions, carefully curated from the collection, and the best travelling exhibitions from around Australia. It is also the home of the annual Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards - the most significant celebration of its kind in Australia.
MAGNT Darwin
19 Conacher Street
The Gardens, Darwin NT
Open daily: 10am–4pm
FREE ENTRY
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday
EXHIBITION | FREE ENTRY
Fresh: connecting new & old art
'Fresh' explores the connections and common threads between work in MAGNT's collections.
PODCAST | LISTEN FREE
The Collection Podcast
A podcast from MAGNT that reveals a world of fascinating objects and the stories behind them.
EXHIBITION | FREE ENTRY
Cyclone Tracy
Learn about the day that changed the urban landscape and the lives of Darwin’s residents forever.
EXHIBITION | FREE ENTRY
Unruly Days: Territory life 1911 – 1921
An exhibition that richly illustrates the challenges of life in the Territory in the early 1900's.
SPECIAL EVENT | TICKETED
Encounter: Deep Blue fundraising gala
A night of fun at the Museum, embracing the glamour and style of dining under the stars.
EXHIBITION | FREE ENTRY
Container: the box that changed the world
Step inside the box to explore six colourful containers scattered around the museum like giant Lego.
EXHIBITION
Colin Jack-Hinton Maritime Gallery
A stunning display of traditional boats and canoes, each imparting a fascinating seafaring story intertwined with human culture from the surrounding seas.
EXHIBITION | FREE ENTRY
Turtle Territory
Beautiful images of turtles in their underwater habitat from a ‘never before seen’ perspective.
EXHIBITION | FREE ENTRY
EX!T ART: 2020 NT Year 12 Student Exhibition
A celebration of the talents and creativity of the next generation of NT artists and designers.
VIRTUAL EXHIBITION | FREE
Telstra NATSIAA 2020 Virtual Exhibition
Showcasing the very best Australian Indigenous art from around the country.
EXHIBITION | FREE ENTRY
Sweetheart the crocodile
Visit MAGNT's most famous resident, Sweetheart the saltwater crocodile!
Getting Here
By public transport
Public buses in Darwin cost $3 for 3 hours or $7 for a day trip. Using Google Maps is the simplest way to find the next bus from where you are.
Number 4 Bus
The #4 runs from Darwin Interchange and from Casuarina Interchange.
It will drop you off on Gilruth Ave, a 10 minute walk from the museum.
Number 6 Bus
The #6 bus departs from the city regularly and will take you directly to the MAGNT entrance.
By bus
Catch a taxi or use a ridesharing app such as Oscar or Uber.
Ask one of our friendly Visitor Experience Officers to help you to book your onward journey.
By bicycle or foot
MAGNT is about a four kilometre ride or walk from the Darwin city centre.
It is best to avoid walking during the heat of the day. Ensure you carry water, wear a hat and use sunscreen.
While You're Here
Discovery Centre
Monday - Friday 10:15am – 12:15pm
A fun and creative space for kids and families offering a supervised arts and crafts activities that relate to our current exhibitions.
This COVID-Safe venue is a space for young museum enthusiasts to unleash their creativity and imagination.
Bookings are essential, and participation fees apply. Call 08 8999 8264 to book.
The Store
Open daily: 10am – 4pm
Visit The Store at the Museum for quality souvenirs, local arts and jewellery. Find books on Northern Territory history and culture, Aboriginal art, Australian children's books and learning kits for curious young minds.
P: (08) 8942 3334
Cafe
Temporarily closed
Overlooking the scenic Arafura Sea, the Cafe features a delicious menu and a focus on local Darwin produce. Dine in the air conditioned cafe or outside on the veranda terrace.
MAGNT History
MAGNT was founded in 1966, with the introduction of a Bill into the Legislative Council of the Northern Territory. Dr Colin Jack-Hinton was appointed the MAGNT's first director, taking up the position in 1970.
It was first housed in the renovated old Town Hall (originally known as the Palmerston Town Hall) in Darwin’s central business district
But on that fateful evening, Christmas Eve 1974, Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin, destroying the old Town Hall and damaging much of the MAGNT collection.
For the next few years both the staff and collection were housed in multiple buildings around Darwin, coming together for lunchtime lectures in the ruins of the Old Town Hall.
After deliberation, approval was finally granted for the construction of a new purpose-built museum and art gallery at Bullocky Point, on the site of the old Vestey's Meatworks. It was opened on the 10 September 1981.
Over the last few decades, MAGNT has grown to include six sites across Darwin and Alice Springs. MAGNT became an independent statutory body on 1 July 2014.
