Exhibitions

Permanent Exhibitions

The Mary MacKillop Museum is comprised of an orientation room and four consecutive gallery spaces. The Museum tells the story of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, with emphasis on her time in Victoria, as well as the work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Mary’s story is told through a curated collection of relics, artefacts, books, textiles, artwork, and audio-visual display.

The Temporary Gallery

This gallery changes on a regular basis three to four times within the year.

Displays mounted in the gallery focus on specific topics related to Mary MacKillop or groups and associations that are involved with the charism, spirit and work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Current Exhibition: Julian Tenison Woods

Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre is proud to present a new exhibition in the Temporary Gallery, Julian Tenison Woods. This exhibition focuses on the ten years Tenison Woods lived and worked as a priest in Penola and the surrounding South Australian countryside. The exhibition explores Tenison Wood’s work as a missionary priest, his scientific endeavours and advocation of Catholic education for the poor. It also showcases highlights from the museum’s collection of Penola and Tenison Woods artefacts and includes an activity for children to enjoy.