22 August 2023

Museum driving home message about free guided tours despite roadworks

| Jarryd Rowley
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museum building

The Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Gardens site remains open despite the roadwork to Lord Baden Powell Drive. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.

The Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Gardens site is still open to the public despite the lengthy roadworks on Lord Baden Powell Drive.

Despite the estimated 12-week-long upgrade to the famous road, the museum is encouraging people to take advantage of free guided tours each Saturday.

Tours between 11 am and 1 pm will take visitors through the facility, with an experienced staff member providing detailed insight into several exhibitions.

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Museum education and public programs officer Angus Cawdell-Smith said guided tour participants would learn things about the museum and collection items that they would not necessarily glean from an unguided visit.

“During the free guided tours, we delve deeper into the stories behind some of the objects, such as how they were acquired, how we conduct research and other interesting facts,” Mr Cawdell-Smith said.

man in museum

Museum education and public programs officer Angus Cawdell-Smith is encouraging Riverina residents to enjoy a free tour of the facility. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.

“We welcome small or large groups along with individual bookings and this tour will give insights into the curatorial process behind creating the displays you see at the museum.”

The tours run for 35-50 minutes, depending on the engagement and questions from participants.

Afterward, participants also have the chance to share in tea and coffee at the Community Learning Space.

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The newly renovated museum, which finished its exciting redevelopment in February this year, hosts several informative displays, including Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri First Nations items and stories, historical items reflective of the Riverina, objects from several flood events in Wagga Wagga, the Riverina Sporting Hall of Fame and an interactive children’s section.

People interested in joining a tour will need to travel to the site from the Lake Albert Road end of Lord Baden Powell Drive.

Most of the roadworks are at the Macleay Street end of the road, meaning no access from the Botanic Gardens end.

Wagga Wagga City Council is also reminding motorists of the revised speed limit along Lord Baden Powell Drive, with 40 km/h the new maximum.

The museum and Historic Council Chambers sites are both open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm (closed Mondays).

For more information and to book a tour, click here.

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