If you’re hunting for a family-friendly adventure that blends miniature worlds with a touch of future imagination, the RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition at the Australian Museum offers just that. While we haven’t personally wandered through its displays, reviews suggest this unique showcase is a fun, visually engaging experience that appeals to all ages—especially LEGO® enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
What we really like about this exhibit is how it combines vintage objects with intricate LEGO® brick civilizations, creating a playful dialogue between the past and future. The interactive build space offers hands-on fun, letting visitors craft their own tiny worlds, which makes the experience more memorable. Another highlight is the custom scavenger hunt, designed for both children and adults, ensuring everyone can participate and discover hidden stories.
One thing to keep in mind is the crowd levels—some reviews mention that busy times can make viewing the displays a little rushed. It’s worth planning your visit during off-peak hours if possible. This experience suits families, LEGO fans, and anyone intrigued by imaginative storytelling wrapped in a playful, environmental theme. If you’re after a relaxed, engaging day with a dash of whimsy, this exhibit should be on your list.
Key Points

- Interactive Experience: Build and display your own LEGO® creations in the dedicated build space.
- Unique Theme: Tiny civilizations inside vintage objects tell stories of a future Earth after humans leave.
- Family Friendly: Suitable for children and adults, with accessible facilities and a playful approach to environmental themes.
- Convenient Access: Step-free entry, wheelchair accessible, and easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
- Educational and Entertaining: Combines nostalgia, sci-fi, and environmental messages into a visually rich exhibition.
- Practical Details: Flexible ticketing options, free cancellation, and a guide suitable for various learning preferences.
The Experience: What to Expect at RELICS

The RELICS exhibition invites visitors to imagine a future where humans have abandoned Earth—leaving behind discarded relics that have turned into tiny, thriving civilizations. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, these scenes blend vintage objects like radios, pianos, arcade machines, and suitcases into miniature worlds teeming with life and stories.
Walking into the exhibition, you’ll immediately notice the craftsmanship. Each setup is a mini city, packed with clever details that reward close inspection. The scenes evoke a sense of nostalgia, environmental concern, and pure creativity—all rolled into one. The exhibits are designed to be interactive; you can get close to the scenes, and there’s often an opportunity to build your own LEGO® creations in the dedicated space. This aspect is perfect for kids, but adults often find themselves equally drawn in, marveling at the minute details.
A standout feature is the custom scavenger hunt, tailored for different age groups. For children, it’s an engaging way to explore without feeling overwhelmed, while adults might enjoy a more analytical approach, looking for specific details or themes. The audio guide, available for free and accessible via your own device and headphones, offers additional context without disrupting the flow of your visit.
Reviewers mention that the exhibition is well-organized but can get crowded during peak times, which might make viewing some displays a bit hurried. Still, the speedy entry and the overall design help keep things manageable. The Australian Museum’s facilities support prams and wheelchairs, making this accessible to most visitors.
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What makes this exhibit special is its blend of sci-fi imagination and environmental reflection. It’s a playful reminder of what might happen when we neglect Earth’s resources, told through a lens of colorful LEGO® worlds. These tiny civilizations inside relics suggest stories of adaptation, resilience, and the enduring spirit of creativity.
The Details: Deep Dive into the Exhibition

Duration and Timing: The exhibition is designed to be experienced at your own pace, with a typical visit lasting around 1 day, which suits a leisurely exploration. The flexible tickets allow you to enter at any time on your booked day, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.
Entry and Accessibility: The Australian Museum prides itself on inclusive access, offering step-free entry and facilities for wheelchairs and prams. If mobility is a concern, this is a major plus. Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and a charged smartphone to capture the scenes and utilize the audio guide.
Cost and Value: Although ticket prices are not explicitly listed here, reviews indicate that the experience is worth the moderate price, especially considering the interactive features and high-quality craftsmanship. One review noted that it might not be “worth it for the price” during very crowded times, suggesting the value depends on your attendance conditions and interest level.
What to Expect from the Displays: Each scene—like a tiny city inside a vintage radio or arcade game—offers hidden details that can be appreciated from up close. Visitors have praised the quality and creativity of the LEGO® builds, which are the work of talented creators. Whether you’re a LEGO fan or simply enjoy quirky art, these tiny worlds offer plenty to admire and ponder.
Post-visit Shopping: After your exploration, the museum shop offers exclusive RELICS-themed souvenirs, LEGO® gifts, and books—a nice way to extend the experience and bring home a piece of the magic.
Authentic Voices: What Other Visitors Are Saying

One reviewer from Portugal described the experience as “excellent,” indicating a high level of satisfaction. Conversely, some German visitors felt that during busy times, the long lines and noise detracted from the experience, despite calling the exhibition itself “really good” and “well-made.” This suggests that timing your visit could significantly impact your enjoyment.
Another German reviewer appreciated the quick and smooth entry, but noted that holiday crowds mean you should plan to allocate extra time. They also highlighted the toll of crowds on the viewing experience, so visiting during quieter periods enhances the appeal.
The reviews paint a picture of an enjoyable, well-curated exhibition that shines brightest when the crowds aren’t overwhelming. The focus on creative storytelling and interactive elements makes this a memorable outing for families and LEGO enthusiasts.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Should Consider Visiting?
This exhibition is ideal for families with children, offering both entertainment and educational value. LEGO fans of all ages will appreciate the craftsmanship, while those interested in environmental themes or futuristic storytelling will find plenty to ponder. It’s also suitable for casual visitors looking for a light, playful experience during a day in Sydney.
If you’re seeking a relaxed, engaging activity that combines art, science, and imagination, RELICS fits the bill. Be mindful of crowds if visiting during peak times, and prepare for a few hours of exploring miniature, storytelling worlds.
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Practical Tips
- Arrive during off-peak hours if possible to avoid crowds.
- Use the free accessibility guide on your device for extra context.
- Bring comfortable shoes and your camera—there’s a lot to see and photograph.
- Allocate around an hour or more to enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.
- Check the weather and wear suitable clothing, especially if you plan to explore Sydney afterwards.
FAQs
Is the exhibition suitable for young children?
Yes, the exhibition is designed to be family-friendly, with a custom scavenger hunt and interactive build space that children enjoy.
Is access wheelchair friendly?
Absolutely. The Australian Museum offers step-free access and accessible facilities, making it manageable for visitors with mobility needs.
How long does a typical visit take?
Most visitors spend about one day exploring the exhibition at their own pace, but you can tailor your visit depending on your interest.
Does the ticket include a guide?
You get a free accessible audio description guide, which you should bring your own device and headphones for.
Can I cancel or reschedule my ticket?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, personal photography is usually permitted, but it’s best to verify upon arrival for any specific restrictions.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, charged smartphone, and perhaps a notebook if you want to jot down observations or details.
Is this experience good value for the price?
Most reviews suggest it offers good value, especially considering the quality of the displays and interactive features. Timing your visit during less crowded periods can enhance the experience.
The RELICS exhibition at the Australian Museum offers a playful, thought-provoking look at future civilizations thriving inside relics of the past. It’s a blend of artistic craftsmanship, environmental reflection, and interactive fun that appeals to kids, adults, and LEGO lovers alike. While crowds might be a consideration, visiting during quieter times can turn it into a truly memorable experience. For families or those with a curiosity for imaginative worlds, this exhibit is a smart choice—affordable, accessible, and packed with detail.
If you enjoy stories told through tiny scenes, appreciate creative craftsmanship, and want a day that sparks curiosity about our planet’s future, be sure to add RELICS to your Sydney itinerary. It’s an experience that’s likely to leave a smile and maybe even inspire your own mini-world-building at home.
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