Andrew Leigh

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT’S NEW EXHIBITION CELEBRATES CHANGE IN ALL ITS FORMS

The Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) and the Cultural Facilities Corporation (CFC) are excited to announce that the Mint’s highly-popular coin shop and exclusive new off-site exhibition, Change in your Pocket, are now open at Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) in Civic Square.

The Mint’s temporary new inner-city location and gift shop enables its many thousands of annual visitors to continue enjoying its exhibition and education programs and to buy coins and other souvenirs in a brand new setting while the Mint’s Deakin building undergoes extensive refurbishment.

This unique partnership between the Mint and CMAG represents a significant milestone in the cultural landscape of Canberra by bringing together two institutions dedicated to preserving and promoting Australian history and creativity.

The Mint’s exhibition at CMAG is a celebration of the role the Mint has played in telling Australia’s stories through coins and includes parts of the National Coin Collection that never before been on public display. 

The Mint Coin Shop offers visitors the opportunity to explore and acquire a diverse range of meticulously crafted coins, commemoratives and numismatic treasures. Enthusiasts and collectors alike will have access to exclusive pieces reflecting Australia's history, culture, and iconic landmarks.

Assistant Minister for Treasury, Competition and Charities, Andrew Leigh, emphasised the significance of the partnership between the Mint and CMAG.

“This collaboration marks a significant stride for the Mint, enabling it to delve deeper into the rich narrative of Australia's heritage and the craftsmanship behind our currency, all from a prime spot in Civic. It opens up pathways for new audiences to explore CMAG, immersing them in the compelling tales woven through its social history and visual arts collections.

“The Change in your Pocket exhibition is designed to captivate and educate, presenting an innovative angle on the role coins and currency play in our daily routines. It promises a unique showcase, revealing treasures previously hidden from the public eye, sure to captivate numismatics and curious minds alike.”

ACT Minister for the Arts, Tara Cheyne MLA, welcomed the official opening, saying the Mint's temporary relocation to Civic Square was a great opportunity for visitors and locals alike to experience one of the Capital’s iconic national institutions in a convenient city-centre location alongside a great local gallery and museum.

“This collaboration between the Royal Australian Mint and Canberra Museum and Gallery creates an innovative space where history, art, and numismatics converge, contributing to the ACT Government’s Arts, Culture and Creative Policy by fostering cultural tourism opportunities for Canberra’s arts sector. It will also contribute significantly to the cultural and educational landscape of our city," Ms Cheyne said.

CEO of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, Gordon Ramsay, welcomed the Mint's presence at CMAG.

“The CFC looks forward to welcoming many thousands of new visitors to Civic Square to explore both the Mint and CMAG’s exhibitions alongside the Coin Shop, and enjoy the great coffee and meals at the CMAG café.

“Just as Change in your Pocket examines the transformative role of currency in shaping Australia's identity and narrative, many of CMAG’s exhibitions tell the stories of the people and events that have shaped Canberra as a city and as a community. We especially hope that Mint visitors will connect with our award-winning Canberra/Kamberri – Place & People permanent Canberra exhibition,” Mr Ramsay said.

Royal Australian Mint CEO, Leigh Gordon, echoed these sentiments.

"We are delighted to extend the reach of the Royal Australian Mint's offerings in collaboration with CMAG, fostering greater accessibility and appreciation for our nation's numismatic legacy. We are proud to showcase our world-class craftsmanship alongside CMAG's esteemed exhibitions, furthering our mission to inspire curiosity and pride in Australia's coinage heritage."

“While the Mint’s retail, visitor, and education operations are based temporarily at CMAG, the refurbishments at the Mint’s building in Deakin will elevate the cultural aspects of the Mint, improve visitor facilities, and create a more interactive and engaging experience for all patrons,” Mr Gordon said.

The Mint Coin Shop and Change in your Pocket exhibition at CMAG are open to the public from 10am to 4pm weekdays and 12 midday to 4pm on weekends.