Get ready with your camera and smiles! Joy is a big, colourful, and super happy exhibition at the Immigration Museum featuring newly commissioned works from seven talented local artists.
Each artist has created these amazing, room-sized installations that show what joy means to them.
Here’s what you and your family can expect from this delightful exhibition, all included with your museum entry.
Joy Immigration Museum
When you walk into the grand entrance of the Immigration Museum, you’ll see Nadia Hernández’s installation, Que te puedo decir, asi son las cosas. This piece celebrates everyday life, highlighting the little comforts and rituals that keep us connected to our roots.
Then journey to the second floor to share what sparks your joy on the colourful ‘Share Your Joy’ wall before visiting the rest of the exhibition.
Strut Your Stuff with Spencer Harrison
Spencer Harrison’s installation, Bring it to the Runway, Runway, invites you to show off your true self and individuality under a canopy of iridescent jewels.
Nixi Killick’s Joy Generator
Prepare to be dazzled by Nixi Killick’s Joy Generator! This psychedelic explosion of colour is all about expressing optimism and elation. There are also VR elements that add an extra dimension to the visual feast.
Hug a giant bunny with Beci Orpin
Awww….go into Beci Orpin’s recreation of her childhood bedroom and hug the giant bunny. The cuddly soft toy in Bunny Dearest will bring a smile to your face.
Nostalgia with Callum Preston
I’m a child of the 80s and 90s and have clear memories of heading down to the local video on Friday nights to choose the selection for the weekend.
Artist Callum Preston opens a portal to a 90s’ happy place with Video Land. It’s a playful recreation of the joy of video games and the simple pleasures of childhood.
See if you can spot your favourite films on the shelves!
Jazz Money’s Bold Statement
First Nations artist Jazz Money show that joy can be a powerful act of resistance in Our Laughter Will Become the Waterfall. This installation reminds us that joy can be a form of protest and a way to make our voices heard.
Elyas Alavi’s Mystical World
In Search of the Simurgh by Elyas Alavi (with Sher Ali) is an installation that shares the beautiful Persian myth of a mystical giant bird.
Supporting Programming
For more insight into the exhibition, highlighting engaging and diverse stories, Joy exhibition tours run on selected days.
You can also check out the Artist video series where each of the artists discusses the creativity and concepts that inspired their work.
Tips for visiting Joy at the Immigration Museum
Plan Ahead
Check the museum’s website for opening hours and any special events happening during your visit, such as Joy exhibition tours.
Engage with the Art
The exhibition is included in the Museum entry, so there’s no rush. So soak in the colours, stories, and emotions. Encourage your kids to express what joy means to them. Ask them questions about the installations and what they feel when they see them.
Capture the Moment
Bring a camera or your phone to take pictures. The vibrant installations make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Pram parking
You’re able to take strollers into the exhibition, but for your own comfort, you may choose to park your pram outside in the designated pram parking area.
Getting to the Immigration Museum via public transport
The Immigration Museum is located at 400 Flinders Street Melbourne.
You can access it via public transport such as the Free City Circle Tram to cnr Flinders Street & Market Street, Tram 48, 55, 70 or 75 to cnr Flinders Street & Market Street or Train to Flinders St or Southern Cross Stations and a short walk.
Immigration Museum Parking
The Immigration Museum doesn’t have its own parking.
Car parks within the CBD offer discount ‘early bird rates’ and flat rates in the evenings and on weekends. We recommend pre-booking via Wilson Parking or Secure Parking websites/apps.
There’s also on-street parking at City of Melbourne parking rates.
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