Miniature masterpieces are set to take centre stage at Newcastle Museum with the launch of its new exhibition, Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things.
Opening next weekend, the exhibition promises to showcase the big stories that can be told through small-scale creations.
From a model train 160 times smaller than its real-life counterpart to a scaled-down cityscape built for the movies, the exhibition celebrates the intricate world of models and miniatures.
Visitors will see objects drawn from Newcastle Museum’s extensive collection alongside treasured works loaned by the community, highlighting the artistry and imagination behind these tiny marvels.
The exhibition is built around five themes, beginning with Views of the City, which includes one of Australia’s best model railways, Newcastle 1899, as well as 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 and storytelling, such as a 3D-printed mechanical fish tank by Peter Lewis and a fantastical puppetry collection from renowned marionette performer Murray Raine.
Scale Engineering brings precision to the fore, featuring miniature engines and locomotives crafted by the Lake Macquarie Live Steamers Association, while On the Water dives into Newcastle’s maritime past with model ships, ferries, and tugboats.
Standouts include a meticulously built model of the famous sailing ship Cutty Sark, constructed over four decades by Peter Sharp. Big Skills Miniaturised showcases the craftsmanship of Newcastle’s manufacturing legacy through apprentice test pieces and demonstrator models.
Beyond the displays, the exhibition offers plenty of hands-on fun for families. Interactive elements ensure there’s something to spark curiosity for audiences of all ages.
Visitors can explore dollhouses inspired by local landmarks, enjoy a miniature railway track, and experiment with film-making techniques using a post-apocalyptic model city created in collaboration with the University of Newcastle.
Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things opens at Newcastle Museum on Saturday 27 September 2025 and runs until February 2026. For more information and bookings, visit newcastlemuseum.com.au.
