Cultures of Australia and Oceania

The long-term exhibition presents life in Australia and Oceania. When you enter, you will see a section dedicated to the indigenous Australians and their life adapted to harsh conditions. There are hunting and war weapons (boomerangs, clubs and spears), scribing sticks, baskets and bags made of plant mesh. In addition to practical supplies, exhibits related to the spiritual world (e.g. bark paintings) and musical instruments are also represented. Another part of the exhibition presents the cultures of the inhabitants of the islands and archipelagos of Melanesia, populated by farmers, hunters and fishermen. Respect for deceased ancestors is also strongly reflected in the material culture in the form of various types of wood carvings and masks, among others. The regions of New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and New Ireland are richly represented. The Polynesia and Micronesia regions follow, with both everyday objects and ceremonial ones – coffee bowls, war and ceremonial weapons, ornaments and many others. In the last room, stunning wood carvings, mostly from New Guinea, are displayed, accompanied by examples of different types of tapas, which are textiles made by beating out bast and decorated with painted or printed designs.

The permanent exhibition was opened in 1990 and renovated in 2018, adding audiovisual equipment, interactive elements and large-format photographs.