Exhibitions
Uncover the gripping tales and pivotal moments that have shaped Australia’s legal landscape at the National Crime and Justice Museum.
A Journey Through Crime and Justice
The National Crime and Justice Museum is a cornerstone in preserving the rich history of Australia’s legal system. Located in Victoria’s longest-running colonial gaol, the museum offers an immersive experience into the world of crime and justice. Through meticulously curated exhibits, visitors can explore the evolution of law enforcement, landmark cases, and the societal impacts of crime. Our mission is to educate and engage the public in understanding the complexities of justice and the stories that have defined our nation.
Eureka Stockade
A Defining Moment
The 170th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade marks a pivotal moment in Australian history, commemorating the miners’ rebellion against colonial authority at Ballarat, Victoria, in December 1854.
Fighting Injustice
The uprising was a response to oppressive mining license fees and police corruption, symbolizing a broader struggle for democratic rights and fair treatment.
The Battle
On December 3, 1854, a brief but fierce battle took place between gold miners and colonial troops at the Eureka Stockade, resulting in over 20 miners’ deaths. Though the rebellion was quashed, it sparked significant political reforms, including the introduction of voting rights for miners and the abolition of the hated mining license.
Legacy of Courage
The Eureka Stockade is now viewed as a landmark in Australia’s democratic evolution, embodying the values of justice, equality, and the right to protest. This anniversary invites reflection on the legacy of these courageous miners in shaping modern Australian society.
This exhibition looks at the Geelong people involved in Eureka.
End Of The Rope
The Trial and Execution
His 1967 execution, the last in Australia, sparked widespread controversy, protests, and debates about the death penalty.
A Shifting Society
The exhibition traces the events leading to Ryan’s hanging and explores how public attitudes to crime and punishment changed, ultimately influencing the abolition of the death penalty in Australia.
A Life Under Scrutiny
The End of the Rope exhibition explores the life, trial, and execution of Ronald Ryan, the last person to be hanged in Australia.
The Crime That Shocked a Nation
Ryan was convicted of killing a prison guard during an escape from Pentridge Prison in 1965.
Stitched Up
Undressing Our Convict Past
Prison Uniforms Through History
Stitched Up brings to life Australia’s most notorious criminals through their prison uniforms.
From 1788 to 2020
From the arrival of the First Fleet to COVID-safe uniforms of 2020, male prisoners have worn a wide range of clothing.
Famous Faces Behind Bars
James Squire, Ned Kelly, Ronald Ryan, and Carl Williams all wore distinctly different uniforms during their time in prison.
A Gallery of Prison Life
This exhibition showcases the colourful clothing hidden within the walls of Australia’s hardest prisons, bringing the stories of these prisoners to life.
Executions of Geelong Gaol
A Site of Justice and Death
Public Executions at Gallows Flat
Executions on the North Side
Inside the Walls
Saga Behind the Armour
A Gang and Their Story
Saga Behind the Armour brings to life the story of Ned Kelly and his gang through the eyes of the Geelong people involved in the tale.
Death Mask and Armour
Come and view Ned Kelly’s death mask and experience the infamous bushranger’s replica armour while exploring the stories of those who lived it.
The Legend Lives On
Love him or hate him, Ned Kelly remains one of the most recognisable figures in Australian history.
140 Years Later
Even 140 years after his death in 1880, Kelly’s story continues to captivate and intrigue Australians.
Victoria's Colonial Gaols
The Gold Rush Boom
With the discovery of gold in Victoria, hundreds of thousands of people poured into Melbourne. The city’s population exploded from 77,000 in 1851 to 540,000 by 1861.
Strain on Law and Order
This massive population surge put immense pressure on the young colony’s criminal justice system. There were too few police, and no courts or gaols on the goldfields.
Melbourne: Gateway to the Goldfields
As Melbourne became the bustling entry point for prospectors, the challenges of maintaining law and order grew rapidly.
Building the Gaols
In response to rising crime, 12 colonial gaols were constructed across Victoria to bring control and justice to the booming gold rush era.
Victoria's Floating Prisons
A Land Without Convicts
Unlike other Australian colonies, Victoria was founded as the land of the free — not settled by convicts and with little need for large gaols.
Gold Rush Pressures
The 1851 gold rush brought a flood of fortune seekers to Victoria, including ex-convicts and ticket-of-leave holders from Tasmania and New South Wales.
Overcrowded and Unprepared
The sudden influx overwhelmed Melbourne’s only existing gaol, putting immense pressure on the young colony’s justice system.
The Floating Prisons
To cope with the crisis, the colonial government purchased seven unseaworthy ships and converted them into floating gaols, a unique solution in Victoria’s penal history.
Plan Your Visit Today
Discover the captivating stories and artifacts that bring Australia’s crime and justice history to life. Plan your visit to The National Crime and Justice Museum and explore our permanent exhibitions housed in Victoria’s longest-running colonial gaol.
