Botanic Gardens site
The recently upgraded Botanic Gardens site of the Museum of the Riverina provides a cultural facility of national standard for locals and visitors.
The site now includes twice as much storage, allowing the museum's 25,000 object collection to be better cared for and preserved in climate-controlled conditions and a dedicated workshop space allows engagement with visitors, volunteers and students.
Museum staff researched, wrote and curated the seven themed galleries covering local history including Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri First Nations histories, the Murrumbidgee River, items from the Sporting Hall of Fame and more.
Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri objects, that were returned to Country from the Australia Museum, are a feature of the First Nations gallery. Wooden tools and weapons from the Ganmain area were originally collected by the Devlin family who sold them to the Australia Museum. The return to of these items to Country was significant for the Wiradyuri community.
Other notable artefacts on display include the Fife family cooks galley which is on the State heritage register and a section of Wagga Wagga’s original flood gauge which was attached to the old Hampden Bridge.
For more information on location and opening hours go to our 'Locations' page.
Site Upgrade
The Museum of the Riverina Botanic Gardens site underwent an $8.6 million upgrade, reopening in March 2023. The upgrade creates a new and inclusive experience for residents and visitors to our city.
A launch event was held on 1 Febraury 2023, attended by Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Isabel Reid, who performed a Welcome to Country, before the museum was officially launched by NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts, Regional Youth and Tourism, Ben Franklin MLC, and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout.
Designed and built by Cumnock Constructions, the museum integrates renovated and revitalised collections with a spectacular new building, creating a new exhibition gallery, learning studio, collection storage facility, public spaces, and staff offices.
The exterior of the Museum includes new pathways indoors and out which will give the community better accessibility for wheelchairs and prams while exploring the museum.
View 25,000 Objects - a video about the Museum redevelopment here.
Learn more about the Museum of the Riverina - Botanic Gardens site upgrade
This $8.6 million project was funded by:
- Australian Government, Building Better Regions Fund - $4.3 million ($1.7 million for Museum of the Riverina + $2.6 million for the upgrade of Lord Baden Powell Drive)
- NSW Government, Create NSW, Regional Cultural Fund - $3.18 million + Restart NSW, Infrastructure NSW - $739,466
- Wagga Wagga City Council - $400,000.
