Filed under: exhibition, featuredarticle, museums, retro
The ’80s are Back at the Powerhouse Museum
As a child of the ’80s that never quite moved past the colorful decade, I couldn’t resist checking out the Powerhouse Museum’s The ’80s Are Back exhibit.
If you were born in the decade or look back on it fondly, you’re going to love this. From the moment you enter the exhibition’s tunnel, with its pop songs blaring, you know you’re in for a good time.
There really is something for everyone here. As a music buff I drooled over Boy George’s canary yellow suit, Michael Jackson’s glove, and yes I confess, 1927’s ARIA for …ish. It may not be so iconic, but my inner fangirl was just as impressed.
Meanwhile my nerdy husband couldn’t have been more excited to spot one of those old coffee-table style arcade games. It was loaded up with six classics including Frogger, Donkey Kong, and Pacman. But hubby couldn’t resist his old favourite, 1942. It seems he’s only slightly rusty, although I think if the line of prospective players wasn’t so long he could have rehoned his skills in time.
The stars of the screen weren’t forgotten either, with everything from Charlene’s mechanics uniform from Neighbours to Young Einstein’s electric guitar on show. I was also thrilled to see so many of the toys I remember from my childhood: Garfield, Rainbow Brite, Alf, My Little Ponies and the good old Cabbage Patch Kids.
But it wasn’t all fun and games. Exhibits reminded us of the more serious side to the decade: the AIDS epidemic, Challenger, and third-world poverty amongst them.
There was a sober side to it, but for the most part The ’80s Are Back is just good, nostalgic fun. And that’s exactly as it should be!
Dates: No firm close date has been given, but the exhibition is expected to run until late this year
Times: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Powerhouse Museum
Address: 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
Public transport: Catch the light rail to the Paddy’s Markets station. Then walk up the steps over the footbridge to the museum
Parking: Discount parking is available when you park in the Entertainment Centre Car Park. Validate your parking ticket at the museum’s admissions counter to receive the discount
Cost: The exhibition is free with museum entry. $10 for adults, $5 for children 4-15 years, $6 for pensioners, concession card holders, and seniors. Children under four are free, and family tickets are also available for $25
Website: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/the80sareback/
Image source: Kekka @ Flickr
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3 Comments
Wow! What a little trip back in time! I wasn’t a child of the 80’s, so missed some of the cultural references, but I love this retro exhibits. It’s so fun to think back on what you were doing then.
Definitely fun. Some of the things I saw were very unique to Australia, so I wouldn’t feel bad for not catching the references
I liked that though … it’s lovely to visit these things that reflect our experiences of growing up in a particular place rather than just a homogenised view of the decade.