A brand-new free exhibition that explores Australia’s role in the space race is set to touch down at the Museum of the Great Southern this Saturday 8 June 2024.

A touring exhibition from the National Archives of Australia, Out of This World: Australia in the Space Age looks at exciting times, from the 1950s to the 1970s. Visitors will experience the nation’s enthusiastic response to space exploration, from cutting-edge scientific research to space-inspired design, television and much more.

From mid-century fashion and unidentified flying objects to early satellites and the Moon landing, the 20th-century space race captured the imagination of Australians, young and old.

Museum of the Great Southern Regional Manager, Catherine Salmaggi said the Museum is excited to share this stellar exhibition with the community.

“This exhibition covers the exciting days from the 1950s through to the 1970s, Out of This World: Australia in The Space Age features something for everyone, from cutting-edge scientific research to space-age toys, design, television and meet everyone's favourite pencil-nosed spaceman, Mr Squiggle,” she said.

“We are excited to give those people who were not around when man first walked on the moon to get up close and personal with Australia's contribution to the space race.”

National Archives Director-General Simon Froude said the exhibition tells a diverse range of stories, all connected by our nation’s desire to understand space.

“Sparked by the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 in 1957, the space race really captured the imaginations of Australians. We look forward to sharing the memories of that time with the Great Southern community,” he said.

Curator Catriona Donnelly said the international space race had a fascinating impact on Australian culture.

“New technologies were developed, inspiring people of all ages to explore their own ideas and aspirations for the future. What occurred was an explosion of creative responses from Australian scientists, designers, architects, television producers, community groups and children alike,” she said.

Out of This World is at the Museum of the Great Southern from Saturday 8 June 2024 to Sunday 6 October 2024.

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Exhibition supported by the State Library of South Australia, and the Australian Government’s National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program and Visions of Australia.