The Australian Museum (AM) has appointed Richard Dilly as its new Director, Exhibitions and Experience. He brings more than 20 years of proven success in creating world-class visitor experiences to Australia’s first museum.

Mr Dilly will lead the AM’s exhibitions, public programs, visitor experience and engagement, as well as commercial operations, developing experiences that connect visitors with natural history and cultural heritage.

“Richard Dilly’s outstanding track record in creating award-winning visitor experiences makes him the perfect fit for the Australian Museum,” Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO of the AM said. “His expertise in engaging diverse audiences will help us to continue to grow our public visitation and inspire even more people to discover all the AM has to offer.”

For the past 10 years, Mr Dilly has led five of Sydney’s most popular tourist attractions: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds Sydney, Sydney Tower Eye and Immersive Gamebox Sydney, as part of global entertainment company Merlin Entertainments. Under his leadership, these attractions achieved consistent growth while significantly improving visitor satisfaction.

He created the award-winning Penguin Expedition experience, the immersive Day & Night on the Reef attraction, and the interactive Rocky Shores Rockpool Experience. These projects have drawn visitors from around the world and set new standards for educational entertainment.

“I’m thrilled to join the Australian Museum team at such an exciting time. The success of blockbuster exhibitions like Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs shows the incredible appetite for world-class experiences. I’m passionate about building on this momentum to attract new audiences and ensure Australia’s first museum remains a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike,” Mr Dilly said.

Mr Dilly pioneered the use of virtual and augmented reality in visitor attractions at Merlin and has forged partnerships with major entertainment brands.

He has also worked across the United Kingdom and United States, launching new attractions and leading international teams. His career began as an entertainment host at Thorpe Park in the UK before taking on various roles within the visitor attractions industry.

A conservation advocate, Mr Dilly served four years on the board of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia, helping establish animal welfare standards and securing government support for tourism during the pandemic.

He succeeds Russell Briggs who stepped down from his role after eight years at the AM at the end of July.

Mr Dilly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of London.

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture museum focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information and active research on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.

Media Enquiries

[email protected]