When Cyclone Tracy took an unexpected turn on Christmas Eve in 1974, it changed the course of a city.

Small but deadly, Cyclone Tracy destroyed Darwin, leading to the largest evacuation and relief effort in Australian history.  

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory was also destroyed that night. Since then, it has become the home of the Cyclone Tracy story through its much-loved exhibition, which has been redeveloped for the 50th commemoration of the disaster.

Explore a classic 1970 elevated home, monitor the cyclone at the desk of the Darwin Bureau of Meteorology office much as it looked in 1974, experience the real sound of Tracy brought to life through new technology and remastered sound in a new sound booth and explore 50 years of stories.

Over the last decade, MAGNT has received donations of family photo albums and treasured objects from residents who experienced Cyclone Tracy; some of these are on display for the first time. See the ‘Raggedy Andy’ doll featured on the iconic cover of The Australian Women’s Weekly, a Christmas tree that was salvaged from Tracy’s wreckage, a dress worn for days in the aftermath, a treasured survivor t-shirt and the iconic ‘Tracey You Bitch’ replica, embodying the dark humour that fuelled the resilience of Darwinites in their darkest hour.