Arron Wood pledges $15m Intercultural Museum for Melbourne

Lord Mayoral candidate Arron Wood and running mate Erin Deering have committed $15 million to build a world-class interactive museum in the City of Melbourne if elected this month.

The Intercultural Museum, developed in consultation with stakeholders and in partnership with the Hellenic Museum, seeks to acknowledge the city’s vast multicultural communities and heritage.

Mr Wood has proposed constructing the new museum at the site of the Queen Victoria Market precinct’s Queen’s Corner Building, which is currently the subject of a design competition initiated by the council.

The Lord Mayoral candidate believes that the proposed 10,000sqm facility is a vital step in reinforcing Melbourne's reputation as a multicultural and vibrant global city, with the most multicultural museums in Oceania.

“I am proud to support this project, which will cement Melbourne's standing as a leader in multiculturalism,” Mr Wood said.

“The Intercultural Museum will be a true reflection of who we are as Melburnians.”

“It will not only showcase the stories, heritage, and contributions of our many diverse communities but also serve as a beacon of understanding, empathy, and cross-cultural dialogue.”

The designs suggest that the museum will have a vibrant space dedicated to showcasing the city's cultural tapestry while providing a platform for diverse communities to share their heritage, stories, and contributions.

The project also aims to bring international and school students from across Victoria into the CBD for a learning experience about the city's cultural history.

Team Wood’s candidate for Deputy Lord Mayor Erin Deering believes this will economically benefit local businesses.

“This museum will be more than just a cultural hub; it will be an economic driver, supporting local businesses and helping to revitalise our city as we continue to recover and grow,” Ms Deering said.

The project could deliver $55 million per annum in local revenue, job creation, tourism, and additional visitation to the Queen Victoria Market.

Hellenic Museum director Sarah Craig said it was proud to partner with Team Wood on the project.

“[It] will serve as a vital platform for unity in an increasingly fractured global society," Ms Craig said.

The Intercultural Museum will not only preserve the heritage of our diverse communities but also create a space where cross-cultural understanding and dialogue can thrive.

The museum would feature interactive exhibitions, educational programs, and multicultural events that promote inclusivity.

"This space will foster connections between different communities, strengthen our shared bonds, and create opportunities for all Melburnians to come together and celebrate our unique stories," Mr Wood said.