New jaw-dropping Sharks exhibition

Arts & Entertainment Exhibitions Scene

Rita Bratovich
September 25, 2022

Image: Sharks at the Australian Museum. Image: Australian Museum

Sharks have a bad image thanks to sensational news headlines, gory films and that ominous two-note theme that automatically pops into your head when you think about them. But these magnificent ocean creatures have been unfairly maligned and the Australian Museum’s new exhibition aims to prove it.

Sharks features eleven life-sized models of various shark species, from the cute 50cm Epaulette Shark to the awe-inspiring 8 metre long Whale Shark. Visitors can touch actual shark specimens from the museum’s collection and interact with digital and augmented reality displays that will take you through the jaws and into the stomach of a shark.

Immersive display at Sharks exhibition, Australian Museum. Image: Australian Museum

These prehistoric wonders have swum the oceans for 450 million years, but they are now threatened with extinction by one of the most destructive creatures to ever roam the planet – humans. Not all humans, though. Find out how First Nations and Pasifika People have learned to live with and understand sharks.

The Sharks exhibition at Australian Museum includes a program of talks, workshops and activities.

Twilight Bites is a monthly after-hours talk and tour series with renowned shark scientists and cultural experts.
5.30pm – 7:00pm and 7:00pm – 8:30pm
$72 Members, $90 Non-Members, $81 Concession, Ages 16+
Includes complimentary canapés and a drink on arrival.

Talks include:

Wednesday 5 October
Capturing Sharks with Valerie Taylor: Pioneering diver, conservationist and filmmaker Valerie Taylor discusses her life under the sea and her hopes for the future of shark conservation.

Renowned shark whisperer, Valerie Taylor AM. Image: Australian Museum/ Valerie Taylor

Wednesday 2 November
Sharks in the Picture: Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Michaela Skovranova joins the AM’s Climate Solutions Centre curator, Dr Jenny Newell, for a discussion about bearing witness to Earth’s most magnificent environments, observing their changes and finding ways to champion their survival.

Wednesday 7 December
Sharks, Protection and Detection: Join the AM for canapés and conversation as Principal Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Dr Paul Butcher details the future of shark conservation and shares some of the science that is helping to keep sharks and swimmers separate.

Realistic, life-sized models in Sharks exhibition, Australian Museum. Image: Australian Museum

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Cool Sharks: Clay Sculpting Workshop: Crafty kids will learn all about sharks and sculpt your own out of clay in these school holiday workshops for children. Thursday 29 & Friday 30 September | 10.30 – 12.30am, 1.30 – 3.30pm | $52 per child (Members), ‎‏$65 per child (non-Members).

The Tooth About Sharks: What makes a shark, a shark? Join shark expert Dr Amy Smoothey from the NSW Department of Primary Industries to bust myths and learn the ‘tooth’ about sharks! Wednesday 5, Thursday 6 & Friday 7 October |10.30 – 11.00am, 11.30am – 12.00pm, 1.30pm – 2.00pm | $12 (Members), ‎‏$15 (non-Members).

Nature Photography Workshops: Back by popular demand, young photography buffs can jumpstart their creativity and learn how to capture nature’s best angle in these school holiday workshops guided by photographer Tom Covell. Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 September | 10.30 – 11.30am, 12 – 2pm, 2.30 – 4.30pm | $28 – $52 (Members) $35 – $65 (non-Members).