Portland Maritime Museum interpretive signs and installations
We designed a new look for the gallery spaces at Portland Maritime Museum, highlighting the region’s rich First Nations and environmental heritage.
SHP was engaged to refresh the gallery spaces at Portland Maritime Museum, introducing innovative displays and a more nuanced and contemporary approach to heritage interpretation. We began by reviewing key objects and stories that the museum wanted to retain, while consulting with the area’s Traditional Owners, the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, to highlight stories integral to Portland’s First Nations history.
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SHP conducted intensive historical and environmental research, which we used to develop content and designs for the galleries. We co-designed the entry gallery with Yigar Gunditjmara artist, Jenna Bamblett. This section of the museum acknowledges marine and coastal fauna significant in Gunditjmara culture, providing context for the complete whale skeleton on display.
We also reimagined the museum’s larger galleries as immersive spaces where visitors could experience life on Portland’s coast and the Great Southern Ocean through colourful exhibits and engaging signage. Our designs also included a new children’s activity corner and a fresh installation that captures the drama of the Portland Lifeboat story.
Client: Portland Maritime Museum
Location: Portland, VIC
Date: 2024
Scope of works:
