Australia: ""First Islamic Museum"" to be built in Thornbury

Australia"s first Islamic museum is to be built in Thornbury.

The Islamic Museum of Australia also aims to showcase the rich artistic heritage and historical contributions of Muslims in Australia and abroad. Fascinating stories, interactive displays and exquisite art exhibits will provide an insight into the Australian Muslim experience for tourists, school groups and other visitors.

The venture has recently been granted charity status by the Australian Tax Office and has the personal endorsement of Victoria State’s Multicultural Affairs Minister Nick Kotsiras.

The museum will include a permanent exhibition featuring basic information about Muslims" religious beliefs provided to the public.

The Museum will include a specialist shop, which will stock Islamic art prints, gifts, crafts, posters and other souvenirs. There will also be select books about Islamic Art, design and heritage. An online store will enable purchases from anywhere in Australia or overseas.

The Islamic Museum of Australia promises to enhance the spectrum of community museums in multicultural Melbourne and open a much needed window into Australian Muslim life.