About Museum of applied arts and sciences
The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, also known as MAAS, is a leading contemporary museum in Australia that showcases excellence and innovation in applied arts and sciences. The museum is located in Sydney, New South Wales, and has been a hub for creativity, education, and inspiration since its establishment.
MAAS was founded in 1879 as the Technological Museum of New South Wales. Over the years, it has evolved into a world-class institution that celebrates the intersection between art, science, technology, design, and engineering. The museum's collection comprises over 500000 objects that span across various disciplines such as fashion and textiles; architecture; transport; communication; health and medicine; space exploration; robotics; music; gaming; photography among others.
One of the unique features of MAAS is its ability to engage visitors through interactive exhibitions that encourage participation rather than passive observation. The museum's galleries are designed to be immersive environments where visitors can touch, play with or manipulate exhibits to gain a deeper understanding of how things work or how they were made.
MAAS also offers educational programs for schools ranging from primary to tertiary levels. These programs are designed to inspire curiosity about science and technology while fostering critical thinking skills among students. Teachers can choose from a range of workshops or guided tours tailored to their curriculum needs.
In addition to its permanent collection displays which showcase some of Australia's most significant technological achievements such as the first steam locomotive built-in 1854 by Robert Stephenson & Co., MAAS hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year featuring local or international artists who explore themes related to science or technology.
The Powerhouse Museum located at Ultimo is one branch under MAAS which houses some iconic objects like Locomotive No.1 (the first steam locomotive built-in NSW), Catalina Flying Boat (a World War II aircraft), Strasburg Clock Model (an astronomical clock) among others.
MAAS has won numerous awards for its contribution to the arts and sciences. In 2017, it was awarded the Australian Tourism Award for Best Major Tourist Attraction, and in 2018, it won the Museums Australasia Multimedia & Publication Design Awards for Best Exhibition Catalogue.
In conclusion, MAAS is a world-class museum that celebrates excellence and innovation in applied arts and sciences. Its collection of over 500000 objects spanning across various disciplines makes it a unique destination for visitors seeking to explore the intersection between art, science, technology, design, and engineering. The museum's interactive exhibitions provide an immersive experience that engages visitors of all ages while its educational programs inspire curiosity about science among students. MAAS is undoubtedly one of Australia's most significant cultural institutions that continue to push boundaries in creativity and innovation.