The Orange Regional Museum has opened its doors to showcase such photos in an exhibition titled Capturing Nature: early photography at the Australian Museum 1857-1893.

Sixty-five large-format photographic prints will exhibit the scientific discoveries of Australian Museum scientists between the 1850s and 1890s, while telling the story of the origin of photography in a young colony.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said he is pleased to finally see the Museum open its doors with a new exhibition.

"The exhibition had been set to open in March, but was unable to open until last week due to COVID-19 shutdowns," he said.

"It's great to know that both local residents and visitors can now enjoy all that our Museum has to offer."

Capturing Nature is part of a touring exhibition created by the Australian Museum in Sydney.

Cr Kidd said the whale flipper skeleton "really captures your eye" and "draws you in".

"In the image is a man standing behind the whale flipper which shows the true size of the animal," he said.

The exhibition will be on display until August 2.

The museum is open between 9am to 4pm and entry is free.