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SmartBar

Retro Futurism

Past Event: 2 May 2013

Quote by Ken Olson, Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

Past and future technologies collide at SmartBar for some megabyte-sized fun!

Recharge your batteries and plug in to spot-talks and activities at Melbourne Museum's next SmartBar, exploring vintage machines, retro technologies, the future of 3D and the origins of electronic music.

Take a trip down memory lane with our experts who will explore:

The fourth computer in the world, CSIRAC: an international icon of the digital age designed and built in Australia. Hear CSIRAC's story and meet the only intact first-generation computer surviving anywhere in the world.
Yesterday's tomorrow... today! Retro Futurism explained.
The power behind machines and a glimpse into Museum Victoria's machine collection
Electronic music and the sounds of CSIRAC.
The latest in 3D printing technology.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase on the night.

To avoid the queue, buy online (select 'Promotions and Special Events') and print and bring your ticket with you.

SmartBar is an 18+ event

Comments (41)

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Hi Guys, I love the event, but last time I went I was put on a mailing list and haven't received any info - I nearly missed the next date altogether if I hadn't remembered! Thought you should know - you could be loosing business from this and it's such a great event!

Hi Buffy,

We're really sorry about you not receiving an email about the Smart Bar - our bad! Dates for the next Smart Bar will be announced tonight - stay tuned.

So this is over 18s only? Really wish this could be made clear. Can't see anything on this page.

Hi Grant,

Thanks for pointing this out, the event is definately over 18s only.

Can i look at the dinosaurs exhibition on the night?

Hi Ben,

Yes, the Science & Life Gallery will be open on the evening so all things Dinosaurs will be viewable! We look forward to seeing you!

Hi there, I've just purchased tickets to this next SmartBar (my second time, loved the last one!) and was wondering if the Afghanistan exhibition is going to be open to explore that night as well?

Hi Paul,

The Afghanistan Exhibition won't be open, but there will be plenty of talks, activities and exhibitions to enjoy! It's great that you enjoyed the last Smart Bar :)

Have been to three and looking forward to the May one. Would love to see one in the future that covers indigenous culture, art, science etc. Especially the seven seasons of Melbourne!

Searching for 'Smart Bar' on Google doesn't tell us when the next one is, and searching on here only brings up this page... Guys, when is the next one? I need to be able to plan ahead, so actually publishing this in a place indexed by Google would be fab.

Hi Theresa, we've just had a SmartBar on the 31st of January so it is likely to be some weeks before the next one. Keep an eye on the Museum's website as plans for the next one will be detailed well in advance. Also have a look at the reply to Huw on the 4th of December 2012 which details ways of keeping in the loop.

Sounds great! Is there a discount for museum members?

Hooray! Smart bar! The last one was fantastic, looking forward to this one :-)

Since when does our museum allow people to drink there? So disappointing. I thought you were all smart people, yet alcohol is ruining society and you encourage it? You should be ashamed!!!

Thats why its an over 18 event. So far everyone at these events has been very responsible. We are allowed to drink.

Will this crime,Rumour etc smartbar be repeated later? I can't make this one 29/11 but would like to do this in the future.

Hi Huw, each SmartBar is based on a different theme exploring our collection, research and exhibition areas. However we will consider repeating popular themes in the future.

Why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter or join E-News for updates.

I can only get there about 7:30. Will I miss out on the talks?

Sounds great! I'm also in the 20-30 age group working in the city and living in the inner suburbs. Definitely appeals to my crowd and I have a few similar friends coming.

I would like to reiterate Belinda and lydias points and ask if there is any more info on appropriate dress code and also food?

Are all of the general admission areas open on Smart Bar nights or is it a guided tour of certain sections? Does the ticket price include anything other than entry? What kind of price range is on the food and is it just the cafe or a special menu?

Hi Belinda, the Melbourne Story, Birds of Paradise and some parts of Bunjilaka will be open for SmartBar 29.11.12. Your ticket gives you access to these galleries, as well as our program of talks and activities. There will be food available in the Museum Cafe, but it will be a selected menu, with items priced between $5 - $15.

Future SmartBars will feature different areas of the museum, depending on the theme, and different talks and activities.

The talks sound interesting. Can you please provide more information such as a programme or timetable so we can be sure to get there in time and catch as many as possible. Thanks.

Is there a dress code or anything expected for this event?

There is no special dress code for SmartBar, just come along and enjoy!

This sounds very fun! I will most definitely be making an appearance (despite the fact that I have work at 06:30 on Friday, 1.5+ hrs from the CBD) Thank-you for putting in the effort to organise these extra events for us nerds out there.

As a hospitality worker really appreciate that this is on a Thurs because we can never attend weekend events due to work. Maybe you could do it twice a week when it is on to suit the 9 to 5's and also those of us that prefer mid week events. Cheers

"Buying tickets online incurs a $5 fee per transaction"...really? That seems a little steep for printing my own tickets. Is there any way of avoiding being gouged, i.e., do you still charge $5 if I buy over the phone or in person?

Hi Lina, our online transaction fee is to cover costs charged to us by our ticketing and bank providers. But you can certainly book onsite or via our bookings office to avoid the transaction fee for Smart Bar. Hope this helps.

I'd love to come but I do shift work and don't finish until 7pm. Could I still attend or do you have to be there at the very start. Could this event also be held on a weekend?

Hi Vicki! Great news, you don't need to enter at 6pm, you are most welcome to attend Smartbar when you are able to get here!

I think its a great idea, not everyone works Mon-Fri, and at least on Thurs night there is FREE parking. Why not offer both?

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If you're aiming at the urban 20-30-something nerd set, you're spot on. This sounds great and I will be there. Thursdays work well for me as I live near the city and am young enough to have a late night before work every now and then. :)

We too live a fair way from the city,it would be much better on a weekend for us as by the time we finish work and travel we might just make it and also tired the next day .Love the concept

Thursday again. Not good for those of us who are up early and off to work on Friday! What age group are you aiming at?

I am interested, in this ,,If accomonied by an adult, can I bring my 16 year old. thanks

Hi Michelle, this event is 18+ only and unfortunately we are unable to allow entry to anyone underage.

Why are these things always held for only one day and ALWAYS held on a weekday? Bit hard for people who live two hours from the city who have to work the next day.

Hi Simone, thanks for the feedback. SmartBar started in March this year and this is Melbourne Museum’s third SmartBar – we are aiming to have four each year. SmartBar is currently held on Thursday evenings, however we will consider having it on weekends in the future.

I loved the Smartbar event tonight. Can I be notified about future Smart bars events even though I do not belong to Face Book, Twitter etc.

Will there be more of these. My son, who is interested in anything history/natural history would love to come, but doesn't turn 18 until next month. My partner and I wouldn't mind coming to a couple as well.