Media Release: From Devastation to Determination: MAGNT’s Cyclone Tracy Exhibition Commemorates 50 Years With a Refresh, March 2024

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is excited to announce a significant refresh of the permanent Cyclone Tracy gallery.

The exhibition, titled Cyclone Tracy – 50 Years On, is set to showcase the resilience of Darwin and its people following one of Australia’s worst natural disasters, whilst preserving the elements audiences have loved for 30 years since it was first opened.

This milestone anniversary is made even more impactful with the generous support of the Community Benefit Fund, North West Constructions and other donors, who have pledged much needed funds towards the exhibition. Their commitment underscores the importance of preserving and sharing the Cyclone Tracy story, ensuring its legacy lives on for future generations.

Cyclone Tracy, a defining moment in Darwin’s history, resulted in the loss of 66 lives, widespread destruction of buildings and the displacement of a significant portion of the city’s population. The 50th anniversary serves as a poignant moment to reflect on the evolution of Darwin and the enduring impact of this disaster on its residents. It is also an opportunity to remind people of the profound resilience of Territorians.

The Cyclone Tracy – 50 Years On exhibition will spotlight various aspects of the disaster including:

• The changes wrought by Cyclone Tracy on the local environment and its response
• The lived experiences of children during the disaster and Australia’s largest air evacuation
• The response of the Australian Defence Forces to the tragedy
• The reaction of people around Australia and across the world and their contributions to assisting Darwin residents
• The first communications from Darwin to the outside world
• The damage to Darwin and the city’s remarkable rebuilding and expansion over 50 year

MAGNT aims to incorporate cutting-edge technology to offer new perspectives on the disaster, enhancing the visitor experience and connecting the narrative with contemporary Darwin. The refresh will include the removal of pre-war and 1980s living room replicas, making space for powerful new experiences.

Key features of the exhibition refresh:

• A revitalised space reflecting and contrasting with the modern Darwin landscape
• New immersive storytelling
• Additional stories, new collection objects and extensive new interpretation

Quote from MAGNT Assistant Director Louise Partos

“As we approach the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, this exhibition renewal serves as a testament to the profound resilience of Territorians, highlighting their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity and underscoring the enduring impact of this pivotal moment in Darwin’s history.

“The way we understand the story of Cyclone Tracy continues to change as different perspectives emerge. The refresh will aim to incorporate new tales of resilience, courage and community, ensuring that the impact of this historic disaster remains vividly etched in the collective memory of both locals and the global audience.”

MAGNT welcomes ongoing support from the community and interested parties to ensure the success of this commemorative exhibition. Opportunities to contribute and be part of this historic event are still available.

For more information on how to support the Cyclone Tracy – 50 Years On exhibition, please visit www.magnt.net.au/50yearson

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