The
Chinese Museum is located in the middle of Melbourne's
Chinatown and provides visitors with an education in Chinese culture and a look at Chinatown's history. Spread across five floors, the museum conserves and promotes the Chinese presence and contribution in Australian society.
Permanent features in the museum include:
The Chinatown Visitor Centre, which provides an introduction to the history and architecture of the area. Streetscapes dating back to the 1850s are on display here.
The Dragon Gallery recognises the importance of the Chinese Spring Festival and the Moomba Festival and showcases three generations of Chinese dragons.
Finding Gold relives the Chinese experience throughout the nineteenth century gold rush. Visitors can also visit the temple of Guan Gong, see a Cantonese opera or experience Chinese lottery.
The third floor presents the history and culture of Chinese Australians, from the first migrants to the present day. A variety of artefacts and stories are available for viewing.
The museum also runs guided and self guided heritage tours of Chinatown. Guided tours take approximately two hours and prices start at $15.00 for a tour and $31.80 for a tour and banquet lunch. Self-guided tours take participants along
Little Bourke Street and through nearby lanes. For $10, walkers receive a portable MP3 player with audio commentary and guidebook.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, cultural events and art shows. See the
website for more information on upcoming events.
The Chinese Museum is open seven days a week from 10.00am until 5.00pm. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for concession holders and children.
