Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka facts for kids
The Eureka Flag was central to MADE's exhibitions.
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| Established | 4 May 2013 |
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| Dissolved | 31 March 2018 |
| Location | Ballarat, Victoria, Australia |
| Visitors | 68,000 per annum |
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E.) was a special museum in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. It was built where the Eureka Rebellion happened. This museum taught people about democracy, which means how people can have a say in their government.
It opened on May 4, 2013. Before MADE, there was another center called the Eureka Stockade Centre. MADE focused on the Eureka Stockade. This event is seen as a key moment for Australia's democracy. The museum was home to the real Eureka Flag. This flag was very important to the rebels during the Eureka Rebellion. They promised to stand by it as a symbol of their fight for fairness. The flag was borrowed from the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
How the Museum Was Run
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka was set up as an independent group. It had a board of directors who helped make decisions. The City of Ballarat was its main supporter.
Two people led the board during the museum's five years. They were Professor David Battersby AM and Kaaren Koomen AM. Some well-known people also supported the museum. These included Lucy Turnbull AO, Rob Knowles AO, and former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks AC. Peter FitzSimons AM was an Ambassador for the Museum.
The City of Ballarat gave the museum about $1 million each year. The museum also received money from other government programs and donors. The museum managed its money well. It even had a small amount of extra money each year.
Why the Museum Closed
In February 2018, the City of Ballarat Council made a big decision. They decided to take over running the center themselves. This decision came after they looked closely at a study. The study was about what should happen to the museum in the future.
The Museum of Australian Democracy closed on March 31, 2018. This was just two months before its fifth birthday. The Council took over the building. They continued to show the Eureka Flag there. They also asked the people of Ballarat what they wanted. They wanted to decide what kind of community center should be on the site next. The museum officially closed its business in May 2018. It gave its belongings to the City of Ballarat. It also returned borrowed items to their owners.
Images for kids
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The displays at MADE used digital technology to tell stories and discuss democracy.
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Students learn about the Eureka flag and the Eureka Stockade.
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Brooch from the MADE exhibition Bling, examining jewellery from the Gold Fields.
