Torquay's Australian National Surfing Museum is celebrating its 30th birthday.
Accompanied by a new 'Born in the Nineties' logo by renowned Surf Coast surf/pop artist Jeff Raglus, birthday events will include panel discussions for Melbourne Design Week, a new Gems of the Collections event series, a new interactive Hall of Fame experience and reflections of contemporary surfing narratives such as women in surfing, and industry sustainability.
The ANSM, run by Surf Coast Shire Council, celebrates the story of Australian surfing and its champions, culture and characters through permanent displays and temporary exhibitions and is the home of the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame.
It is the largest museum of its kind in the world and the only surfing museum recognised by the International Surfing Association.
Across its three decades more than 400,000 local, interstate and international visitors have admired its exhibits drawn from a vast collection of more than 17,000 items.
Deputy Mayor Mike Bodsworth said 30 years on from inception the museum continues to grow from strength to strength, attracting new audiences.
"Our Australian National Surfing Museum is a national and international treasure, right here on our doorstep at the heart of the Australia's home of surfing," Cr Bodsworth said.
"I can certainly recommend browsing its collections and wonderful stories which reflect the achievements, dramas, and highlights of Australia's big surfing journey and capture the sport's vivid culture.
"And I love keeping an eye on the ANSM Instagram page for classic photos and stories.
"It is fitting to be launching these birthday celebrations against the backdrop of the 2024 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Thirty years is a special milestone and we look forward to some great exhibitions and experiences throughout 2024."
The museum is at 77 Beach Road with entry through Torquay Visitor Information Centre.
People can stay in touch with birthday year events via australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au
The museum was a vision of pioneering surfers Peter Troy, Vic Tantau and Alan Reid, and founding partners included the Australian Surfriders Association, now Surfing Australia, the then Geelong Regional Commission, Surf Coast Shire Council and Torquay's surfing industry and passionate supporters.
It charts Australia's significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world and preserves its vivid, storied heritage, housing and displaying myriad treasures.
Surfboards on display range from some treasures imported from Hawaii in 1919 and used at Lorne, to first-generation solid timber boards and personal boards of Australian Hall-of-Famers including Mark Richards, Layne Beachley, Simon Anderson and Terry Fitzgerald.
