Please note: The Museum of Economic Botany will be closed for building maintenance from 1 June to late July.
Step back in time to 1881 and discover the importance of plants in our lives; past, present and future.
The last of its kind in the world the Santos Museum of Economic Botany is home to an amazing permanent collection, much of which dates back to the original museum display 140 years ago. Also on show are intriguing, beautiful and immersive touring exhibitions which are sure to inspire.
The museum showcases countless plants and their various uses with a focus on minimising waste.
The building is a treasure in itself and has been lovingly restored featuring many original details.
If you love the MEB just as much as we do, pop into North Lodge or the Goodman Building and pick yourself up a copy of the souvenir book!
Made in Germany these delightful papier-mâché fruit models are for more than just admiring, they were used to educate farmers on establishing crops in the 1800s.
Can you spot the real fungi? Challenge yourself as you explore the collection of 210 papier-mâché models showcasing fungi in different stages of growth.
Be spellbound as you discover artist Fiona Hall’s Grove, a cabinet of curiosities that explores the relationship between nature and culture.
The Museum is open everyday, 10am - 4pm
18 July 2023
Have you ever driven past the beautiful heritage-listed Goodman Building when passing the Garden on Hackney Road? Did you know this building was formerly the base for the Municipal Tramways Trust but now serves as the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium administration building.
07 June 2023
World Ocean Day is an annual celebration held on 8 June which unites and rallies the world to protect and restore our blue planet. In our latest blog, State Herbarium's Jem Barratt takes a deep dive into how its scientific work focusing on seagrasses and seaweed helps with the restoration and preservation of our ocean ecosystems.
