Sydney: Australian Museum RELICS Exhibition Entry Ticket

If you’re in Sydney and looking for a family-friendly, engaging, and visually captivating experience, the RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition at the Australian Museum might just be worth your time. Though it has a modest overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on four reviews, its unique concept of blending vintage objects with intricate LEGO® brick worlds offers a fresh take on both nostalgia and imaginative storytelling.

What really catches our eye is how creative minds—LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler—have turned discarded relics into tiny, bustling civilizations. We love the playful premise of a future Earth where miniature LEGU® communities thrive within relics of the past, and the interactive build space that invites visitors to try their hand at creating. On the downside, the exhibition can get crowded, especially during holidays, which might make it tricky to fully appreciate each scene.

This experience suits families, LEGO enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy quirky, visual displays combined with a hint of environmental reflection. If you’re seeking a fun, light-hearted day with a dash of sci-fi and nostalgia, this is a solid pick. Just keep in mind, the ticket price reflects the quality of the exhibit and added features like scavenger hunts and accessible guides, making it worth evaluating if the theme appeals to your group.

Key Points

• Unique Concept: An imaginative blend of vintage relics and LEGO® world-building.
• Interactive: Features a build space for creating your own mini masterpieces.
• Educational & Fun: Suitable for all ages, with playful environmental themes.
• Accessibility: Free audio description guides and step-free access.
• Crowd Considerations: Expect busy periods, especially during peak times.
• Value for Money: Includes special souvenirs and an exhibition book.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Contents

• Key Points
• A Closer Look at the RELICS Exhibition
• The Concept and Design
• The Displays and Scenes
• The Build Space
• The Scavenger Hunt
• Accessibility and Extras
• What to Expect When Visiting
• Entrance and Ticketing
• Cost and Value
• The Visitor Experience
• The Downsides
• Who Will Enjoy This?
• Final Thoughts
• FAQ
• Our Top Picks in Sydney
• More Museum Experiences in Sydney
• More Tickets in Sydney
• More Tour Reviews in Sydney
• Not for you? Here's more things to do in Sydney we have recnetly reviewed

A Closer Look at the RELICS Exhibition

The RELICS exhibition at the Australian Museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines nostalgia, environmental themes, and playful craftsmanship. Set in the year 2130, it imagines a future where humans have left Earth, and tiny LEGO® civilisations inhabit relics of the past. Visitors wander through displays where each relic, from vintage radios to arcade machines, hosts a miniature world filled with tiny characters and stories that evoke both curiosity and reflection.

The Concept and Design

What immediately draws visitors in is the concept—a future Earth reclaimed by LEGO® civilizations. This offers a fun, sci-fi twist on vintage objects, transforming them into bustling cityscapes and tiny communities. Created by winners of the LEGO® Masters competition, Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, the displays are surprisingly detailed and clever. We loved the way each relic is not just a static display but a tiny scene hinting at a story or environment.

The Displays and Scenes

Expect 14 displays showcasing a variety of relics, each combined with intricate LEGO® worlds. Some scenes are playful, others are surprisingly detailed, and many contain hidden features or clever details that reward close inspection. For example, a vintage radio might contain a tiny LEGO® city inside, bustling with minifigure residents. The scope ranges from miniature villages to complex environmental setups, making each scene a small wonder.

The Build Space

One of the highlights is the interactive build zone, where visitors—especially children—can try building their own LEGO® creations. This space encourages creativity and gives a break from just observing. You can also display your own work, which can be a fun way for families to connect and get hands-on.

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The Scavenger Hunt

For those who enjoy a challenge, the custom scavenger hunt adds a layer of engagement. Different versions are available for children and adults, making it a family-friendly activity that encourages close observation and discovery.

Accessibility and Extras

The exhibition provides a FREE audio description guide compatible with personal devices and headphones, making it accessible for visitors with visual impairments. The Australian Museum’s facilities are step-free, pram and wheelchair friendly—helpful for those traveling with young children or mobility needs.

What to Expect When Visiting

The RELICS exhibition is designed for a relaxed, self-paced visit. Plan to spend about an hour or more, especially if you participate in the scavenger hunt or spend time creating in the build zone. During busy periods, expect crowds—some reviews note a higher noise level and difficulty getting close to the displays. However, this is typical for popular exhibits during school holidays or weekends.

Entrance and Ticketing

The ticket includes entry to the Australian Museum on the day of your reservation. The booking process is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation available up to 24 hours before your visit. This flexibility is ideal if your plans shift unexpectedly.

Cost and Value

The ticket price offers access to the entire exhibition, including interactive elements and the shop, which features RELICS-themed souvenirs and LEGO® gifts. While some reviews suggest the experience isn’t worth a very high price point, most agree that the creative quality and unique theme justify the cost—particularly for LEGO fans and families.

The Visitor Experience

What sets this apart from simple static displays is the imaginative storytelling and the chance for visitors to engage actively. We found the scenes charming and often amusing, with hidden details rewarding those who look closely. One reviewer noted, “the little LEGO world is very good, especially for children,” emphasizing its appeal for younger audiences.

The Downsides

The main consideration is crowd management—during peak times, it can be loud and busy. Also, some reviews mention that the price doesn’t seem to be worth it for everyone, especially if you’re not a LEGO fan or if visiting during less busy hours. It’s best suited for visitors who appreciate creativity, enjoy small details, and are comfortable in lively environments.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This exhibition is ideal for families with kids, LEGO enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by miniature worlds or environmental themes. It offers a playful, accessible experience that can entertain and educate simultaneously. It’s also suitable for visitors who value interactive and tactile experiences over static displays.

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly cultural outing, this might not be your best pick. But if your group values creative storytelling and detailed craftsmanship, you’ll likely find this well worth the visit.

Final Thoughts

The RELICS exhibition at the Australian Museum presents a playful twist on traditional relic displays, transforming vintage objects into lively LEGO® civilizations. It’s a creative, visually engaging experience that sparks imagination and curiosity. The inclusion of hands-on building zones and scavenger hunts makes it especially suitable for families and LEGO fans, offering plenty of opportunities for interaction.

While it may get crowded and the ticket price might not seem justified for some, the overall concept and execution are impressive. It’s a fun, occasionally thought-provoking experience that balances nostalgia with a message about environmental sustainability—wrapped in colorful, tiny scenes that captivate all ages.

Ultimately, if you love LEGO®, enjoy discovering tiny worlds, or are traveling with children, this exhibition could be a memorable part of your Sydney itinerary. Just plan ahead for busy times and consider your group’s patience and interests.

FAQ

Is the RELICS exhibition suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly, with activities like a scavenger hunt and a build zone that children will enjoy. The exhibition is accessible for young visitors, and some reviews mention that it’s great for kids.

How long should I plan to spend at the exhibition?
Most visitors might spend about an hour or more exploring the scenes, participating in activities, and browsing the shop. If you want to take your time and engage with all elements, plan for a relaxed visit.

Is the exhibition wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Australian Museum offers step-free access and accessible facilities, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs or those using wheelchairs and prams.

Can I take photos inside the exhibition?
While photography for personal use is generally allowed, it’s best to check upon arrival for any specific restrictions or areas where photography might be limited.

Does the ticket include access to the entire museum?
No, the ticket is specifically for the RELICS exhibition. However, your ticket grants entry to the museum itself on that day.

Is there a dress code or special attire needed?
No special attire is required. Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a charged smartphone are recommended for an enjoyable visit.

What if I need to cancel my booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process offers flexibility to adapt to your travel plans.

The RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition offers an imaginative look at future civilizations thriving within relics of the past, all crafted with LEGO® bricks. It’s a visual treat that combines playfulness with subtle messages about resource use and environmental care. Perfect for families, LEGO lovers, and those who enjoy detailed miniature worlds, it provides a fun, interactive break from typical museum fare. Just be prepared for possible crowds and evaluate whether the price aligns with your expectations for an engaging, creative experience. If you’re after a day of light-hearted discovery and colorful scenes, this exhibit is worth considering during your Sydney visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby