I am joyous. My special piece of business in the show was a lion-tamer's act. I went round the neighbourhood and collected a lot of stray cats and got them in a wire cage. The museum, which opened last Sunday, has already stirred many Australians, with claims that it trivialises Australian achievement, and will stir many more. That was inevitable.
National museums make statements and ask questions about national identity.
People don't agree with the answers, even if they agree on the questions. To include everyone's story in a museum is a big ask. Including everyone in a way in which they can feel proud is an even bigger ask. It used to be done by being completely and only celebratory. Contemporary museums ask lots of questions.