Museum to open doors

Major moments in Victoria’s history will soon be showcased at the fully redesigned Victoria Police Museum.

The museum will reopen to the public on 25 September with key exhibits on display from Victoria Police’s historically significant collection.

Visitors will be able to experience a completely new space, exploring carefully curated displays on various themes from major investigations to historical and modern policing.

The displays will also showcase the invention of the wireless patrol, a pioneering world-first technology.

Other displays include the much-loved police horse Gendarme’s blanket, sash and bridle, in a section dedicated to police animals.

Specialised museum professionals in the Historical Services Unit designed the space to be an engaging visitor experience that includes interactive displays to touch and explore.

The team worked with more than 20 suppliers to achieve exacting specifications, from temperature controls and museum-grade materials to customised supports to hold exhibits in place.

Collections manager Claire O’Meara said the team worked with experts during the installation process to ensure each object on display was given individual care and treatment.

“This attention includes specialist preservation treatment to a number of significant objects in preparation for long-term display,” Ms O’Meara said.

“This approach to care has been applied to more than 300 objects.”

Museum curator Amber Evangelista said the museum centres on a story-based approach to exploring significant objects and key moments in time.

“This means including diverse perspectives, with valuable input from former police and experts from other museums and using the history of policing and the law as a way to examine wider history,” Ms Evangelista said.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the museum plays an important part in Victoria Police’s ongoing legacy.

“Understanding Victoria Police’s history is a key part to ensuring we learn from it and continue to evolve,” CCP Patton said.

“The museum details our history and is a great opportunity for visitors to learn and reflect.”

In addition to the many displays, the museum also includes a revamped gift shop offering charity merchandise as well as museum gifts.

Entry to the museum at 313 Spencer Street, Docklands is free, and visitors are encouraged to check the website for opening times.

This article first appeared in the latest edition of Police Life magazine .