Collections

Of the Museum's 80 million objects, only a tiny fraction ever go on display.

Uncover colourful stories behind the specimens, meet collectors and curators past and present and read about their contributions to our understanding of the natural world. 

Wonders on display

Endeavour illustrations

Explore original botanical drawings and engravings prepared by Sydney Parkinson aboard the Endeavour, as well as those completed after his death by artists back in England. 

Stories from behind the scenes

MacGillivray art collection

Browse watercolours of mammals, birds and fish by William MacGillivray (1796-1852), which are housed at the Museum.

Collectors and trailblazers

All stories