Islamic Museum of Australia image

Islamic Museum of Australia

Museum Non profit organization History museum Learning center

One of the Most Reviewed Learning centers in Melbourne


Address

15A Anderson Rd, Thornbury VIC 3071, Australia

Website

www.islamicmuseum.org.au

Contact

+61 1300 915 171

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (87 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Islamic (25) museum (24) history (17) Islam (15) visit (15) Muslims (11) amazing (11) Australia (11) time (10) cafe (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Arnold K. 7 years ago on Google
    Amazing place with a wealth of knowledge, i highly recommend my fellow Australians to head down with your family to find out some real fact about Islam. Some of my learning, slam shares the same Abrahamic heritage as Judaism and Christianity and, therefore, espouses many similar beliefs and practices. Among them are belief in angels, prophets and scriptures and practices such as prayer, fasting and charity. Adherents are called “Muslims” and number over 1.5 billion. They pray to Allah (the arabic word for God), the same God Jesus worshipped. Jesus called God “Eloi” (Mark 15:34). Arab Jews and Christians call God “Allah”. But they're all the same God. Muslims believe God revealed the same general message to all true prophets but that message was changed over time. To correct these changes God revealed His will a final time in the Qur'an and promised to preserve it. Although preserved, the Qur'an is greatly misunderstood by those without knowledge, including some Muslims. “Holy war” appears no where in the Arabic text and verses about violence do not condone terrorism. Rather they permit self-defense, capital punishment and protecting the weak from oppression. The Qur'an also protects the rights of women and Islam forbids their mistreatment. True Islam teaches spirituality, morality, pure monotheism, modesty, education and serving family and society. It views all humans as equal in the eyes of God, being distinguished only by their deeds. Such deeds will be judged after death by the All-Knowing Creator who will reward or punish with perfect justice.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Erwin R. 2 years ago on Google
    It's getting better. When they just opened, I got an impression that this museum only heavily showcased Arabic culture and self-indulgent Australian-Arab personalities. But it seems that they are now trying to source collections from other cultures outside the Middle East. The multicultural Islamic cultures started to be captured on their exhibitions.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nixz K. 7 years ago on Google • 48 reviews
    I found this an interesting museum as I don't know a lot about Islam, and to be honest I still don't. It was an okay museum to visit, educational, there was some cool stuff, but there were a few things I found very disappointing. Nearly all their images were from shutterstock. Maybe all the images. I found the stock images used disappointing. It just seemed such an easy road. I know some amazing photographers that are Islamic. I'm sure their work would have kicked ass and given an artistic view of Islam from a more creative perspective of Australian Islamics. I found the use of stock images dis-engaging Some of the really amazing exhibits didn't have a year or were missing information. I loved the modern art room with the designer surf boards and abstract art, and the small cabinet with some ancient stuff. The science room was really interesting too It was interesting reading some of the information about woman and Islam, though I thought perhaps it could have had a bit more detail. There were sculpture stands with nothing on them. What was there? what did I miss? There was an amazing central garden which you couldn't access. Other than that, cheap entry, interesting place and interesting to know when the dark ages where happening in Europe etc, the light ages were happening for Islam. Lets hope humanity can combine ages sometime and get intelligent again..... I haven't tried the cafe yet and have been meaning to. Would have been nice to have a food /education section in the museum too as food is important in all our cultures :) Worth a visit would recommend visiting.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 john m. 1 year ago on Google • 71 reviews
    Great experience at the Islamic Museum Australia. I attended an industry breakfast celebrating diversity and networking hosted by the Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health. We were fortunate to have a tour and learn about this most amazing culture, the people, philospohy and beliefs, art, architecture and much more. Will surely head back to spend more time. Thankyou Sherene for the tour and I must say your knowledge and passion is amazing.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon H. 6 months ago on Google • 223 reviews
    Clear, open, beautifully presented. Nice cafe too.

  • 5/5 Lara A. 1 year ago on Google
    What a Wonderful place to learn about the Islamic religion. I loved it very much and the excibitions were amazing!!!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim R. 7 years ago on Google
    Impressive. Quite engaging ... we attended the exhibition on Islamic coins which was very interesting. A strong emphasis on the history of Muslims in australia (up till today). A progressive take... it presents a very positive message about Muslims in Australia. Would be perfect for school groups. Our kids did a couple of science workshops ... the museum has a strong emphasis on the scientific highlights of Islam's past. There's a good cafe (Salt and Pepper) with a very pleasant coutyard which connects to the wooded Merri Creek trail.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Here I D. 2 years ago on Google
    Haven't managed to go to the museum yet but the cafe around the back is great. Such a peaceful spot to stop for a coffee. They have a few good Vegan options too.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fehad B. 1 year ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Very well structured museum, broken into four sections. You can indulge for hours on Islamic arts & history, Islamic contribution to society or Islamic history in Australia for hours. My favourite was education about Islam in general, which is well suited for anyone interested in Islam. The cafe is well served and seating is adequate, with parking on street or at the back. Highly recommend it as a Melbourne visit trip for 1/2 day. Coming back in a few years to revisit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G. G. 1 year ago on Google • 37 reviews
    Fantastic experience each time I've visited the museum. Lovely staff and everyone's always so helpful with a smile. I remember really enjoying the exhibit that showcased the Islamic coins from many parts of the world. The cafe at the back of the museum has absolutely tasty coffee and many food options. Thank you
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Minsha M. 11 months ago on Google • 132 reviews
    Have been here few times for many years and still enjoy exploring /pondering over the Islamic culture, history (specially learning about the local Muslims in Australia) drawings, Staff and very friendly and accomodating. Nice little cafe with halal food, good coffee too where I have noticed non Muslims hangout after exploring the place. Good place for D'wah. Love the school holiday programmes too. Reasonably priced. Parking is limited at the rear but many off street parking available.

  • 5/5 Ahmad y. 1 year ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Great experience to have visiting the museum today! Some of our favourites are : The world of Adhan (Audio experience) and the visual experiences especially the Immersive Theatre Experience!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Petr S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building and well organised displays. We enjoyed our tour with welcoming and knowledgeable tour guide.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bella B. 1 year ago on Google • 112 reviews
    Visit Date: 09/03/2023. Have a great time exploring and learning all about islamic history. It's a fantastic place to visit. There are so many things to see.

  • 4/5 IMRAN A. 5 years ago on Google
    Never had a chance to visit during my stay, but it easy to locate the museum !
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam D. 5 years ago on Google
    A very beautiful museum, easily fills half a day to enjoy. We helped out with a sausage sizzle for an open day at the museum and were blessed enough to meet all of the staff, who were such a wonderful, friendly team. Good solid family entertainment/education. The museum offers organized, guided tours of the 2 storey site, with informative guides who bring another dimention to the art and exhibitions. This venue also hosts meetings, and small receptions.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sathira R. 7 years ago on Google
    I have experienced your Virtual Reality Tour of the museum. It was amazing.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Peter H. 5 years ago on Google
    Who cares
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Umidakhon B. 9 months ago on Google • 53 reviews
    One of the must-go places in Melbourne. It illustrates Islamic history, early Muslim immigration to Australia and prominent people among Aussie Muslims in a very beautiful way. There are some interactive boards to get lots of information on specific dates and events. There is a lovely small cafe too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rehan K. 4 weeks ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    My child had gone there with his school and said that it was amazing and would like to go again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manar A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful museum well designed and laid out. Not to be rushed. Spend some time, absorb and reflect. Also nice cafe at the back and walking trail running along the creek. Take your time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ScrxptFN 4 years ago on Google
    walahi this place is amazing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Muhammad K. 6 years ago on Google
    Very short visit, but from what I saw, it's a great showcase of the Islamic faith, Islamic history, art, architecture, contributions to knowledge, science, arts, society, and Muslims in Australia.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Džeko 1. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice museum, the kids loved it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Serdar E. 6 years ago on Google
    Outstanding museum! Very informative and educational.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt P. 1 year ago on Google
    Cuts through all the misinformation so well! Gives an incredible perspective on the Islamic world.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Romeo P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very boring
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BaN B. 6 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Islamic Museum is a cultural and historical edifice and an advanced tourist attraction Islamic history and Arabic calligraphy in a modern and innovative way worth visiting for everyone (Original) المتحف الاسلامي صرح ثقافي وتاريخي ومزار سياحي متطور يقص التاريخ الاسلامي والخط العربي بطريقة حديثة ومبتكرة يستحق الزيارة مناسب للجميع
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chad T. 3 years ago on Google
    We had a wonderful time. A great museum full of history, art, and culture. Read Rumi quotes and made a glass lantern!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark S. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas G. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing museum telling the tales of Islam in Australia. All the exhibits are interesting and lots of engagement points. Great for a family outing!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ash N. 7 years ago on Google
    Keep it up IMA team! Great place to visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aust S. 7 years ago on Google
    Great place to take school groups. Beautiful building and comprehensive museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Flossey M. 5 years ago on Google
    I spent a little over an hour here and I read almost everything. Was warmly welcomed by the lady who sold me my ticket. Being from SA, I appreciated that the museum recognised the Afghan cameleers. And I enjoyed the section of well known Australian Muslim's and some of their item's on display. I liked that sections of the Quran were written down and part of the exhibitions. And now I know the real and true meaning of "jihad". Worth a visit. 6 min walk away from tram stop.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ola A. 8 years ago on Google
    Very nice place awesome
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Defallah A. 9 years ago on Google
    nice place to visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Maria L. 10 years ago on Google
    Enough spending money on entertainment, lets strive to get our traditions live with Islamic Museum. Good job
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Moon N. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice place. Lots of activities for kids and adults!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gordon B. 2 years ago on Google
    Good coffee good service always good for cycle groups. Courteous And cheerful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Truc Ha (. 2 years ago on Google
    Learnt a lot, very peaceful and chill. Though right now they're doing renovations on some parts so it's probably better to visit in January if you want the full experience I guess :>
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mimobase 2 years ago on Google
    Came because I was told it housed some unique art (didn't disappoint) and found myself engaged with the content on the walls & learnt a great deal.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mufthi T. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful place for Islamic education, if you are in Victoria you must visit Friendly staff and management
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris D. 1 year ago on Google
    Well presented museum with some great exhibits

  • 5/5 Usman C. 4 years ago on Google
    Provides a good overview of Islamic history and contributions to the world and Australia.

  • 5/5 Khalid S. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience at the Islamic Museum that reflects my religion and the past history. I would definitely recommend this site to all Muslims or non Muslims to attend and experience the rich history and achievements were Islam has played a major role throughout our civilizations.

  • 4/5 Fadi H. 8 years ago on Google
    Very nice; not very accurate information though.

  • 5/5 Zeynep K. 1 year ago on Google
    I took my Grade 3 students here for an excursion. The students and I were very satisfied with the tour and artefacts. The coffee was also on point!

  • 5/5 John S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very little pride in Islam. To the owner please take a trip to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. The experience I had there gives you a sense of pride and awe to the culture and history. With real Islamic Historical figures, not some people who come on T.v nowdays. It's a great starting point though, hope you guys can get more nice stuff there.

  • 5/5 Diana Nur F. 2 years ago on Google
    A place to learn about Islam and its history in Australia.

  • 5/5 Lynne P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a great place to visit. A beautiful light-filled modern building, and always a warm welcome. Cute cafe with good coffee and appetising light food make a nice break during a visit. The shop has interesting products and books with plenty of gift ideas. The museum's displays are elegant, interesting, and educational, and include cleverly presented multimedia (love the kaleidoscope!). The new display of the history of Islam in Australia is enlightening; kids will like the life size camel! The permanent art is inspiring, beautiful and thoughtful. The temporary art exbitions always provide another good reason to return. The current exhibition by artist Narjis Mirza, 'Hayakal Al Noor, Bodies of Light', is a beautiful multimedia installation that offers mesmerising visuals, gorgeous vocal sounds and even a beautiful aroma. A lovely opportunity for a moment of quiet escape and contemplation. This is one of my favourite museums to visit and I highly recommend. If you haven't been there, treat yourself and go.

  • 5/5 Mujib U. 1 year ago on Google
    I brang my class to an excursion there since it is very cool! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

  • 5/5 Kam K. 1 year ago on Google
    Very informative gallery on Islamic history. Very clean ambience.

  • 5/5 Sakib S. 1 year ago on Google
    I enjoyed the dinosaur skeletons the most. I wonder if dinosaurs existed in the time of Adam عليه السلام

  • 5/5 Mohamed El R. 1 year ago on Google
    For Islamic arts and history .. The God is beautiful and loves beauty

  • 4/5 Maryan H. 4 years ago on Google
    It was an enjoyable and educational experience and l would recommend a visit to the Islamic Museum of Australia.

  • 4/5 Grim R. 4 years ago on Google
    I've only been at the IMA Cafe area and I've already had x3 Tropical Smoothies and it's was one of the best smoothies I have ever tasted I wish they implemented a loyalty card program as I got a few already and a price tag of $7 x 4 = $28 is a hefty price to take on . It should be only about $3 to $5 price tag and you will see more.... or have a loyalty program going to buy 5 and get one free....

  • 5/5 Oscar O. 4 years ago on Google
    The perfect starting point for everyone to get to know the fundamentals and the stunning facts of Islam.

  • 3/5 Quran G. 6 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Was an alright experience, but one of the tour guides (who wasn't Muslim and not wearing a Hijab) said some false things about how the religion. One of the main things that she said was the fact that the Hijab wasn't compulsory, when in fact it is and there are many authentic sources. I really fear that some of my Non-Muslim friends were given wrong information and have twisted ideas about the religion. Really puts a bad look on the museum. May Allah SWT guide our Ummah and forgive us all.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alison S. 7 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Kym came out to work with my team and our Year 11 students on a SACE unit called Diversity, Community and Discrimination. The staff PD she ran with the team was amazing. The resources she was able to provide helped the faculty deepen our lesson content and enhance the relevance of what we were delivering. They were a great time saver too! The student incursion was equally impressive. This was pitched well and engaged the students fully. When reading the assessments produced after the incursion, the student responses were so diverse. It was wonderful to see that each student reflected on different standout moment from Kym's session. I will definitely be inviting Kym back to Adelaide next year. Alison Slater (Endeavour College, Adelaide)


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