October 24

Crowe factor to fly high at Nymboida

October 24, 2008

NESTLED in rolling hills, Nymboida must be about as far as you can get from the bright lights of Hollywood. That was until Hollywood heavyweight Russell Crowe decided to build a museum in the town. The Museum of Interesting Things now sits alongside the Nymboida Coaching Station Inn. Opening to the public tomorrow, the museum is full of interesting artefacts and curios, not least, costumes and props from some of Crowe's most popular films.

There is the now-iconic costume from Gladiator, the admiral's uniform from Master and Commander, the costume Crowe wore in 3:10 To Yuma and props from Cinderella Man and Crowe's earlier catalogue of work.

As co-owner of the Coaching Station, Crowe's hand has definitely played a part in the creation of this fascinating collection. But he is only part of the attraction.

What takes pride of place in the museum is a replica of a giant Cobb & Co coach that used to run between Ballarat and Geelong in the 1860s. Impressive in stature, the coach carried 80 people and took up to 22 horses to pull it.

Curator Bruno De Oliva said the concept for the museum started with the coach and grew from there. With help from the local community, exhibits started coming together, and Mr De Oliva said he was still getting calls offering items for display.

Exhibits now include vintage cars and motorcycles, blacksmith and wheelwright equipment, music memorabilia, and artefacts from the area's coalmining, timber and power industries.

The museum will be officially opened at a private party tonight, and will be open to the public tomorrow. Mr De Oliva said it was not confirmed whether Crowe would attend. "If he shows up, he shows up," he said.

Tomorrow's opening day will be a family affair with pony rides, woodchopping and live jazz music. Entry costs $5 for adults, $3 for concession card holders, $2.50 for kids and $12 for families. The museum will be open from 10am to 4pm.