A 900 square metre outdoor garden is coming to Melbourne Museum. Known as the Gandel Gondwana Garden, this adventurous learning space will connect to the landmark Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs exhibition, as well as the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery. This fun space will be perfect for children aged six to twelve, and will take them on a journey through Victoria’s ancient landscapes. The Gandel Gondwana Garden will open on Friday March 3.
Gandel Gondwana Garden
Throughout the garden, you’ll learn about the science of Victoria’s biodiversity, and the prehistoric animals, plants and habitats that shaped our state’s environment over millions of years. It will provide a link to our understanding of evolution, and the ecosystems that make life on Earth possible.
“This extraordinary play-based learning experience combines the best of museum research and knowledge with sensory and cognitive learning opportunities, to allow children’s curiosity to flourish,” said Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director at Museums Victoria.
The garden is named after the supercontinent Gondwana, which connected most of the Southern Hemisphere including Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa, India and the Arabian Peninsula. It is also named after Victorian philanthropists John and Pauline Gandel, who contributed to the development of this project.
The garden’s design draws on programs of fossil discovery, research and expertise of scientific staff from the Museums Victoria Research Institute. Local First People’s knowledge on reading landscapes and listening to country also contributed to the design.
While exploring the unique garden, guests will have the option to experience a digital puzzle-solving ‘quest’. This quest will enhance the experience and help guests learn more about the prehistoric animals and plants featured in the gardens. Clues will be delivered via augmented reality, and the quest will be accessible through a web-app.