Exploring what’s possible through science and art 

A visionary gift from Peter McMullin AM and Ruth McMullin is helping Science Gallery Melbourne inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence in the next generation of innovators and thinkers.

Since opening in 2021, Science Gallery Melbourne has inspired and transformed 350,000 curious minds through the intersection of art and science.

The transformational opportunities it has created for teaching, research and student experience have been made possible through the generosity and vision of donors Peter McMullin AM (BCom 1974; LLB 1974) and Ruth McMullin, who have supported Science Gallery Melbourne since its inception.

Part of the international Science Gallery network and based at Melbourne Connect, Science Gallery Melbourne is the only gallery of its kind in Australia.

It draws on the full breadth of the University's teaching and research expertise to inspire young people through exhibitions, learning initiatives and research. Together, these experiences encourage visitors to think creatively, question assumptions and imagine new solutions through science, technology and art.

Science Gallery Melbourne is also a STEM Centre of Excellence that delivers world class scientific and artistic inquiry programs for 25 partner schools through the Victorian Department of Education. Through these programs, Science Gallery Melbourne is expanding access to STEM for underrepresented young people, including young women and girls, First Nations students, and students from low-socioeconomic, regional and rural communities. These opportunities build the confidence, skills and curiosity to imagine new futures.

An individual speaking with several students in front of a colourful wall.
Jesse Chambers, Deputy Head of Learning Programs at Science Gallery Melbourne, with students from the Victorian College for the Deaf.

Co-designing inclusive learning

An example of this work is the outstanding partnership with the Victorian College for the Deaf (VCD). Together, Science Gallery and VCD have co-designed bilingual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs in Auslan and English, creating an inclusive learning environment that reflects students' strengths, interests and lived experiences.

The partnership has led to more than 40 visits and over 1,000 student engagements. Interactive workshops in chemistry, physics and 3D printing encourage D/deaf and Hard of Hearing students to explore STEAM through experiential learning while building confidence, curiosity and independence.

The partnership also extends beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for connection and celebration within the wider Deaf community. Students have collaborated with Deaf artists on exhibition projects, including works developed for the 2026 exhibition EMERGENCE[Y], exploring how accessibility and technology can reshape experiences of emergency situations through creative practice. Since 2022, Science Gallery Melbourne has also hosted the Victorian College for the Deaf graduation ceremony, welcoming more than 100 members of the Deaf community each year.

Deputy Head of Learning Programs Jesse Chambers says, "What started as a one-off pilot workshop has developed into an ongoing commitment: one that centres the needs, interests and futures of Deaf young people."

Robert Harrow, Secondary School Leader at the Victorian College for the Deaf, says, "These activities provide real-world applications of STEAM, allowing students to develop independence in scientific thinking and gain confidence."

The impact is also reflected in the experiences of students themselves. As Sam, a student participant, says, “I felt excited to be learning about technology with my friends.”

Through Science Gallery Melbourne, young people and communities from diverse backgrounds are finding new ways to connect with science, creativity and the University, opening minds to new possibilities and pathways for the future.

Learning experiences that transcend borders

Science Gallery Melbourne continues to expand opportunities for young people locally and internationally. Through their annual interdisciplinary Future Careers Forums, the Gallery has reached more than 41,000 students from 18 countries.

A new Global Classroom initiative is connecting young people across cultures through mixed-reality learning experiences, expanding access while equipping the next generation to work creatively and collaboratively to meet the environmental, economic and social challenges of today and our future.

Individuals on a panel discussion addressing a crowd of people.

A panel discussion taking place at the Science Gallery Melbourne during a Future Careers Forum event.

Reflecting on the global Science Gallery network, Peter McMullin AM and Ruth McMullin say, “We recently visited Science Gallery Bengaluru and discussed our shared vision with their founding donor Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. Being part of the Science Gallery network provides young adults with access to world-leading science and arts concepts on a global scale."

“We believe Science Gallery Melbourne will continue to have a lasting impact on the future and Australia’s next generation of scientific and creative trailblazers.”

Peter and Ruth’s commitment to access at the University also includes generous support for the learning program as part of the 65,000 Years – A Short History of Australian Art exhibition at the Potter Museum of Art and their founding support of the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness.

Two young women collaborate on a project at a classroom table.

Students from Coburg High School participating in the Merri-Bek Interschool Innovators Program at Science Gallery Melbourne.

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