Situated in the rolling hills of Ocean View, north of Brisbane, is the Southern Hemisphere’s only gallery dedicated to mathematics. Featuring a large collection of historic and modern mathematical books, artefacts, hands-on activities and a whole lot of fascinating facts and information, The Mathema Gallery will entertain and educate all who visit.
The Mathema Gallery – The Story
In August 2023, The Mathema Gallery opened its doors. Proud owners Dr Calvin and Rosemary Irons established the Gallery to share their love of mathematics with others. It was also an opportunity to house and display a raft of mathematical books and artefacts they’ve collected over the years.
Calvin and Rosemary have impressive backgrounds in the mathematical field. Establishing the Mathema Foundation, an educational charity, and the Mathema Publishing Trust, a book publisher which produce original mathematics books, the powerhouse couple are clearly passionate about mathematics.
Calvin and Rosemary are also co-owners of Ocean View Estate, a winery which is also housed on the same property as the Gallery.
What You Will Find at The Mathema Gallery
Stepping into the Gallery is like entering a peaceful haven. It is bright, clean, well ordered and has a pleasant feel to it.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff greet you (maybe even the owners) and explain the layout of the Gallery and how best to experience it. The kids were offered a clipboard with a Mathema Culture Quiz, which they happily took to enhance their experience while in the Gallery.
It’s suggested you start your visit at the Outer Galleries – East and West. Working your way round in a clockwise motion you will discover mathematics from early human civilisations and explore mathematical mysteries from the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilisations, among many other things.
Toward the back of the gallery is The Library. As the name suggests this section houses more than 5,000 books. A large portion of the books can be viewed, while the more delicate and historic books are behind glass. The collection of National Geographic Magazines and historic mathematics textbooks is impressive.
The Inner Gallery is broken into two sections like the outer galleries – East and West. It is here kids (and adults) can get hands-on while also learning about binary numbers, calculating methods and more.
Like any good museum or gallery, The Mathema Gallery also features a well-stocked gift shop. You will find everything from books, jewellery, textbooks, toys, clothing and Mathema merchandise. Many of the products are unique, so if you are looking for a gift to wow that person who is hard to impress, try your luck here.
Outside the building, your visit continues with a hedge maze (still in its infancy) and a sculpture of The Hand of Plato. From the balcony, take a moment to smell the fresh country air, soak up the views and maybe even spot the cows grazing in the paddocks.
Who Will Love The Mathema Gallery
While The Mathema Gallery welcomes everyone, we feel the Gallery is best suited to families with children over the age of eight.
Older primary school children and teenagers will particular love The Mathema Gallery as it ties in world history and geography with mathematics.
Adults of all ages will also enjoy a visit to the Gallery, especially given there is a beautiful winery down the end of the driveway!
While the Gallery is centred around mathematics, you do not need to be maths fan to appreciate this gorgeous space and everything contained within its walls.
The Mathema Gallery Features
- Mathematics Gallery/Museum
- Free entry (donations appreciated)
- Accessible toilet facilities
- School visits and groups welcome (contact the Gallery for details)
- Gift shop
- Ocean View Estate Winery nearby (on the same property)
- Off-street parking
The Mathema Gallery is open from 10am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday’s, however days and hours are generally extended during school holidays. Check the Mathema Gallery website or social media for updates.
Other Places to Visit in the Area
While you are onsite, why not drive a little further down the driveway to discover Ocean View Estate – a stunning winery with delicious food and tranquil surroundings.
Either before or after your visit to The Mathema Gallery, we recommend stopping in at Dayboro just a 10 minute drive down the road. Stroll the streets and be sure to visit the local shops and sample some of the delicious food and drinks the town has to offer.
Alternatively, continue further up the road to Mount Mee where you can have a picnic and enjoy a bushwalk.
What We Loved About The Mathema Gallery
There is so much to love about The Mathema Gallery whether you are a fully-fledged maths nerd, someone who appreciates a touch of history or a family just looking for a day out.
We adults loved the building, the surrounds and the well-ordered and methodical layout of the gallery.
The children (aged 9 and 11) enjoyed walking around with a clipboard finding the answers to the questions within the displays. This quiz also encouraged them to slow down, pay attention and read the information panels.
The hands-on activities and games also entertained the children (and adults), who were happy to challenge each other to see who could solve the puzzles first.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Mathema Gallery and quite happily spent nearly two hours there. We will definitely be back!
How to Get to The Mathema Gallery
The Mathema Gallery is located at 2557 Mt Mee Road, Ocean View, approximately 60km from Brisbane CBD.
It is worth noting the last 5 – 10 minutes of road before the gallery is rather windy, so if you or your family are prone to car sickness we suggest being prepared.
The Mathema Gallery, 2557 Mount Mee Road, Ocean View
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