Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (MADE) Information

The Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (MADE) was an Australian museum, which engaged visitors in the compelling story of democracy. The stories were told of the ordinary men and women, past and present, which have fought for the democratic freedoms we enjoy today. The Museum had a short life - less than five years between 2013 and 2018. Located on the historic site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade, MADE explored the powerful story of Eureka as a significant part of the struggle for peoples’ rights in Australia and around the world. MADE commemorated the pivotal role of the Stockade in shaping Australia’s democracy. MADE’s permanent exhibition used innovative digital immersion to engage visitors with the questions: What is democracy and why do we care? Why has it been fought for, yesterday and today? What does it feel like to be without power? Iconic historic objects were also on display including the Flag of the Southern Cross, exhibited for the first time since 1854 on this historic site. Through a series of exciting public programs and temporary exhibitions, visitors were inspired to explore diversity, creativity and the hidden stories of the past and present. As a centre of discussion on contemporary democracy, MADE was proud to host some of Australia’s most creative thinkers. In 2015, MADE was awarded a MAGNA Award for museum innovation. After less than five years of operation, the Museum's sole member, the City of Ballarat, voted to defund MADE in February 2018. The Museum ceased trading on 31 March 2018, de-accessioned its collection, and the site was handed to Council to develop into a Eureka visitors' centre.