Bloody Delicious: ‘Bloodsuckers’ Sinks Its Teeth Into The Australian Museum
Image: All photos: Kattya Brook
If you’ve ever accused your mate of being a “total leech”, the Australian Museum could be the place to prove it. This autumn, the Australian Museum is inviting Sydneysiders to get up close and personal with the planet’s most misunderstood micro-predators in Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires, a globally acclaimed exhibition opening 2 April (yes, just in time for the school holidays).
Developed by the Royal Ontario Museum, the immersive exhibition features more than 100 objects, specimens, large-scale models, digital interactives and installations, bringing science, pop culture and plain old curiosity together in one deliciously creepy package.
From vampire bats and black flies to oxpeckers, candiru catfish and medicinal leeches, Bloodsuckers doesn’t just lean into the gothic drama of it all. It digs into the biology of blood, the evolution of blood-feeding over millions of years, and how humans can live safely and confidently alongside these species.
Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO said the exhibition challenges visitors to rethink their knee-jerk squeamishness.
“Some of nature’s most extraordinary survivors often give people the creeps, but this new exhibition, Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires, showcases just how astonishing these species are. They have mastered the art of survival in ways that are impressive, demonstrating the power of evolution in action, playing critical roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” explained McKay.
“By bringing this exhibition to Sydney, we’re inviting people to look beyond the misconceptions and engage with the science that shapes our world. Inspiring curiosity and deepening visitors’ understanding of biodiversity is at the heart of the Australian Museum’s mission.”
Bloodsuckers lands in Sydney with serious creds
Bloodsuckers arrives in Sydney with serious international credentials. It was named Overall Winner at the American Alliance of Museums 2019 Excellence in Exhibition Awards, and received Merit Awards at the 2021 Society for Experiential Graphic Design Global Design Awards.
With strong global attendance across its international tour and significant local interest already building, visitors are encouraged to join the waitlist for discounted tickets, priority booking access and exclusive updates. General public tickets go on sale 18 March.
So whether you’re a science nerd, a horror buff, or simply someone who enjoys confronting your fears in air-conditioned comfort, Bloodsuckers promises a deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of those cheeky survivalists who hate the idea of an iron deficiency. Absolutely no garlic required.
Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires opens at the Australian Museum on April 2.
You May Also Like
