Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners of Melbourne, the Boonwurrung and the Woi wurrung language groups of the greater Kulin nation.
The museum is on land where Aboriginal people have lived, laughed, fought, married, dreamed and died for thousands of years. Now, in Bunjilaka, they tell the story of survival against the odds and celebrate their vibrant cultures through performances, storytelling, artwork and more.
With the opening of First Peoples in 2013, Bunjilaka presents the Koorie experience with immense power, depth and respect in a major permanent exhibition entirely co-created with Aboriginal people. Bunjilaka's art space, Birrarung Gallery, holds three exhibitions a year of work by contemporary Koorie artists. Birrarung looks out to Milari Garden where they grow plants of significance to the First Peoples of Victoria. Kalaya is their performance space. Judy Watson's major artwork Wurreka adorns the wall outside First Peoples, which leads into a gallery for temporary and touring exhibitions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The Stronger Families, Stronger Communities exhibition elevates the voices of nine First Nations men who have taken part in Dardi Munwurro's healing and leadership programs. The exhibition welcomes the broader community into a space of truth-telling, encourages greater understanding of First Peoples' experiences, and supports Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre's commitment to accessibility, equity, and cultural celebration.
