Our Relaxed Hours sessions are an opportunity for people with sensory sensitivities to visit the Australian Sports Museum with their friends or family in a reduced sensory environment.
During Relaxed Hours, the museum will operate for two hours with reduced sound and lighting, with limited visitor numbers to reduce crowding.
Dates:
- Saturday May 31, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
- Sunday June 22, 9:00am – 11:00am
Location: Inside Gate 3, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Features of the Relaxed Hours include:
- A supportive environment with trained staff and volunteers, including consultants from Autism Spectrum Australia
- Limited number of visitors to reduce crowding and noise
- Lighting and sound will be adjusted for a low sensory experience
- A Sensory Friendly Space for anyone who requires a rest or to recharge
- The Paddock Café will be open for food and drinks (no cash accepted)
- After Relaxed Hours, visitors can remain in the museum however lights and sounds will be restored when the public enters
The MCG and Australian Sports Museum are proud supporters of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower at all events, all year round. Visitors may choose to wear their Sunflower to Relaxed Hours or seek out staff and volunteers wearing the ‘I support the Sunflower’ pin. Click here for more information about the Sunflower at the ‘G.
To assist you in preparing for your visit, please download the sensory map here. A visual story is also available to view here. For more information on accessibility and inclusion at the Australian Sports Museum, please click here.
The Australian Sports Museum is committed to making everyone feel safe, welcome and included during their visit. Please contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling 03 9657 8879 if you have any questions or concerns.
Prices
| Adult | $37 |
| Concession | $25 |
| Child (5-15) | $16 |
| Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) | $89 |
| Family (Additional Child) | $6 |
| Child (Under 5) | Free |
| Companion/Carer* | Free |
*Must show proof of a valid companion card
We are pleased to offer refunds for our Relaxed Hours Trial should your situation change. Please contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling (03) 9657 8879 to arrange a refund.
Relaxed Hours supported by Autism Spectrum Australia
Relaxed Hours were first trialled by the Australian Sports Museum in 2024 and will now be available once a month to support visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Matt Oastler from Autism Spectrum Australia welcomed the introduction.
“The Australian Sports Museum is such a wonderful, interactive and inclusive place to discover the different sporting people and feats throughout Australian history,” he said.
“Everyone should have the right to participate in sport, and visit cultural places like the Australian Sports Museum, but some people are often excluded by things that other people just take for granted.
“Relaxed Hours help to provide more people with the opportunity to visit and enjoy the museum, in a way that works for them.
“Relaxed Hours include: reducing some of the sensory experiences, providing helpful preparation information beforehand, structuring activities and training staff in supporting people well.
“The Australian Sports Museum already does such a great job of representing people with disabilities, different gender representations and from different cultures. Relaxed Hours provide more people with the opportunity to participate, and see themselves in our great sporting history.”
Note: The Sensory Friendly space inside the Australian Sports Museum was designed in consultation with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).
You Can Find Us Here:
Gate 3, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Yarra Park, East Melbourne