Commemoration, communication and dark tourism: The Cyclone Tracy exhibit at the Northern Territory museum

Abstract:

This paper considers how tropical Cyclone Tracy, which struck Darwin on 24th December 1974, is interpreted for domestic and international visitors at the permanent exhibit at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. The paper considers the imagery, text and language used to depict the impact of Cyclone Tracy before, during and after it hit the city. The paper considers how the victims are commemorated and the cyclone is interpreted, within the context of dark tourism. The paper reflects on how the interpretation of such a dark event is presented to ensure visitors receive an appropriate exposure to the event, balanced with a reflective and respectful commemoration of those who died.