COLLECTION THEMES

The Museum of Chinese Australian History has a collection of over eight thousand artefacts, photos, and records that help tell the stories, experiences, and cultural life of Australians with Chinese ancestry. Learn more about our collections through the themes below that describe Chinese arts, festivals, and beliefs as well as different elements of our community's history.

Gold Rush Collection

Chinese Museum Collections about the Gold Rush era in Australia Read more

Chinese Australian Families Collection

Community and Identity Collection

Traditional Chinese Practices Collection

A selection of objects from the Chinese Museum's Traditional Chinese Practices Collection Read more

Creative Arts Collection

Latest

Whimsical, Ethereal, Evocative. Experience Jiaxin Nong

One of our team members, Jiaxin, has just launched an online exhibition of her paintings entitled ‘2020: Metamorphic Romance’.

The legacy of Australia's first Asian lawyer

William Ah Ket, who battled racism and achieved landmark victories, lives on.

Ever wondered how scrolls are taken down?

Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at what museums do!

Classic Chinese Painting Reproduction Display

Reproductions of classic Chinese paintings from the Song, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, showcasing three main painting styles: landscapes, close-ups on nature, and narrative paintings.

United Nations declares May 21 as “International Tea Day”

The ritual of tea drinking brings happiness, harmony and well-being throughout the World. Celebrate this day with us and spread the good feeling! Visit the Chinese Museum next February and become immersed in Tea Culture at our TEA HEAVEN Exhibition - this promises to be a blissful experience!

The Real Face of White Australia Transcription Project

The Real Face of White Australia is a series of projects aimed at increasing awareness and use of a powerful set of historical documents created in the administration of the White Australia Policy in the first half of the twentieth century.

An Open Letter from the Chinese Museum

An open letter from the Chinese Museum about our shared values and the contributions the Chinese communities have made towards charitable appeals over the years.

Chinese Lantern Making - available in Term 4 2020

This digital program allows students to visit the Chinese Museum from their classroom. Students will make their own red paper lantern and learn about the significance and history of lantern making in China.

New! Digital Cultural Adventures: Amazing Inventions from Ancient China

This digital program allows students to visit the Chinese Museum from their classroom. Learn about Emperor Qin and his Terracotta Army, inventions that emerged during the Han Dynasty and the importance of the Silk Road.

The Chinese Museum Privacy Policy

Classic Chinese Painting Reproduction Display

Reproductions of classic Chinese paintings from the Song, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, showcasing three main painting styles: landscapes, close-ups on nature, and narrative paintings.

Chinese Australian Queens Birthday Honour Recipients

The Chinese Museum proudly congratulates Chinese Australians who have been honoured with the 2020 Orders of Australia in the Queens Birthday Honours list.

Photography Webinar with Ryan Ni - Recap

Online Photography Seminar with Ryan Ni, presented by Phase One and the Chinese Museum. 与中国摄影师Ryan Ni在墨尔本的线上研讨会。与澳华历史博物馆合作。

New! Digital Cultural Adventures: Dragons and Celebrations

This digital program allows students to visit the Chinese Museum from their classroom. Students will learn about the Chinese dragon, its role in the Chinese New Year parade and other important symbols in Chinese culture.