The National Communication Museum (NCM) is a new museum in Hawthorn, on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.

NCM brings to life the nostalgia of communication in Australia, showcasing integral technologies from the past, alongside the current and cutting-edge technologies that will connect us in the future.

Housed in a historic 1939 telephone exchange building, transformed by award-winning architects Carr design, NCM features two expansive floors of displays. Offering hands-on experiences for curious minds of all ages, NCM features immersive rooms, a working step-by-step exchange, interactives and a dedicated Kids Hub.

At the heart of the museum is a heritage telecommunications collection dating back to the 1850s, passionately collected for over 60 years by volunteers across Australia. This collection is presented in dialogue with contemporary technologies, activations and commissions that explore the development of technologies past, present and future.

Through conversations, risk taking and experimentation, NCM provides a welcoming space for addressing challenging questions in an ever-evolving landscape of technological disruption and change.

Tickets for NCM can be easily booked online or in person at the front desk. For a smooth experience, we recommend booking in advance online. For ticket prices and more details, visit our Plan your visit page.

NCM is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm. We're closed Mondays and Tuesdays. We are currently closed for the installation of our next exhibition, Signal to Noise , which is opening to the public from Saturday 12 April.

NCM is located at 375 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, inside a refurbished 1939 telephone exchange, where some original equipment is still operational.

Our site is situated on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, and we acknowledge and respect their ongoing connection to this land.

NCM was established to preserve Australia's telecommunications heritage and make it accessible to the public. It also aims to make complex topics accessible, and inspire future generations, by showcasing the latest advancements in technology.

Through its extensive and diverse collection of objects and innovative use of technology, including robotics and responsive AI, NCM connects audiences with both the past and present, demonstrating the powerful impact of technology in enabling, building, and transforming communities.

NCM welcomes curious minds of all ages—whether you're a child discovering technology for the first time, a nostalgic millennial revisiting the past, a student or researcher exploring new ideas, or someone with a deep connection to telecommunications. It’s a place where generations connect, stories are shared, and new memories are made.

Yes! We offer group bookings. Please email us at hello@ncm.org.au to learn more.

Absolutely! We offer a range of engaging family programs as well as an extensive education program designed for schools and educators.

At this time, we are not accepting donations as we are currently cataloguing our existing collection.

However, we’d love to keep your details on file for future consideration. If you have an item you’d like to donate, please email us at collectionsncm@ncm.org.au with:

• Your contact information
• Details about the object

We’ll add your submission to our donation records and reach out once we’re ready to accept new contributions.

Yes, NCM has a thriving volunteer program. We regularly post volunteer opportunities on our website and on Seek.

We want everyone to feel welcome at NCM. Our spaces are designed with accessibility in mind, and we’re always looking for ways to make your visit as inclusive and comfortable as possible.

• Wheelchair Accessibility – The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, including a wheelchair lift.
• Inclusive Facilities – All-gender and accessible toilets are available on both levels.
• Sensory Considerations – NCM is a high-sensory space with varied noise and lighting levels. However, we’ve incorporated features like audio loops, Auslan-interpreted captions, and other inclusive design elements to enhance accessibility.

If you have specific access needs, please reach out—we’d love to help! Contact us at hello@ncm.org.au .

Have questions or want to learn more? Feel free to contact us at:

hello@ncm.org.au 1300 514 569

Or visit our Contact page for more details.