Newcastle Museum has unveiled a sneak peek of its next major exhibition and there's one minor difference to the items on display - their size.
From a scaled-down cityscape made for the movies, to a model train 160 times smaller than its life-sized inspiration, Model Newcastle provides a chance to discover the big stories told by little things.
City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge and City of Newcastle Head of Exhibitions & Cultural Collections David Hampton take a sneak peek at the installation of the Model Newcastle exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum on 27 September.
The exhibition, which opens on 27 September, delves into the intricate world of models and miniatures, featuring items from the Museum's extensive collection alongside treasured creations on loan from the community.
City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said Newcastle Museum plays an important role in telling stories of and for the people of Newcastle.
"Models and miniatures are tiny worlds with big purposes that can explore the past, imagine the future and transport us anywhere in between," Ms Baird said.
"This exhibition has been a labour of love for all those involved, from the local and international designers, artists and makers whose craftsmanship is on display, to Newcastle Museum's own Cultural Collection and Exhibitions team, who have worked tirelessly over many months to plan and produce a truly engaging exhibition.
"From historical replicas to imaginative creations, all these little things have big Newcastle stories to tell as they spark joy and curiosity in audiences of all ages."
The exhibition includes collections of objects that reflect five distinct themes.
Views of the City features models and miniatures with an architectural focus including one of Australia's best model railways, Newcastle 1899, which depicts the Newcastle Railway Station precinct at the turn of the century. This theme also incorporates a model of the former Newcastle Workers' Club, used during the coronial inquest into the 1989 earthquake.
Modelling the Imagination explores models made for entertainment, film making, and as an expression of creativity, such as a 3D-printed mechanical fish tank created by former Newcastle Herald cartoonist Peter Lewis, and the fantastical puppetry collection of one of Australia's top marionette performers, Murray Raine.
Scale Engineering features replicas of engines and locomotives that have been scaled down in every detail, including how they work. Visitors will marvel at the expert creations of the Lake Macquarie Live Steamers Association, which is one of the longest running model societies in Australia having been active for more than 70 years.
On the Water taps into Newcastle's marine history and features a variety of model ships, boats, ferries and tugboats including those created by the Newcastle Marine Modellers Association, which has been operating in the Hunter for more than 40 years.
It also includes a scale model of one of the world's most famous sailing ships, the Cutty Sark, which visited Newcastle three times at the end of the 19th century. The model was painstakingly built over 40 years by Peter Sharp, whose fascination with the history of Newcastle Harbour was sparked during his career with the Newcastle Water Police.
Big Skills Miniaturised examines Newcastle's legacy as a centre for manufacturing, drawing from the Museum's extensive collection of apprentice pieces and demonstrator models. These were often used as part of the competency assessment of apprentices or by craftspeople as an opportunity to demonstrate or practice their skills.
There's also plenty of hands-on, family-friendly fun at the exhibition, with a series of dollhouses inspired by civic landmarks and a miniature railway track to enjoy, as well as a chance to experience film making techniques using a post-apocalyptic model city created by Jack McGrath and the University of Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said the Model Newcastle exhibition captures the stories of Newcastle's past, present and future.
"Models and miniatures have been used for generations to entertain, educate, investigate and explain," Cr Kerridge said.
"While many spring simply from the joy and creativity of their makers, others have a more practical or serious purpose, such as the Sugar Babe doll that helped to teach children with diabetes how to inject insulin and was used at the John Hunter Hospital.
"This is a fascinating exhibition with multigenerational appeal, which is sure to educate, inspire and delight visitors of all ages."
Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things has been created by Newcastle Museum with support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.
The exhibition opens on Saturday 27 September and runs through until February 2026. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for concession, $5 for children aged five to 16 years, with children four and under free. Family tickets for two adults and two children can be purchased for $25.
