The Chinese Museum’s building, located in the heart of Chinatown, was built by the Cohen Bros. in 1890 and used originally as a furniture warehouse. It was acquired in 1984 by the Victorian State Government to enable the establishment of a Museum to provide the heritage and cultural foundation for Melbourne’s Chinatown.

The Museum of Chinese Australian History was established in 1985 as a not-for-profit organization. The organization has an elected board of directors and operates with approximately 15 core staff.

The Museum has built up a collection of over 8,000 items of Chinese Australian heritage, which have been donated – many being from Chinese Australians who have a long family history in Australia. 

Through our collection and our research, the Chinese Museum presents the 200-year history of Chinese Australians to as wide an audience as possible with a national and international touring program.

Open daily (except public holidays), visitors can experience a full program of exhibitions and public programs, presenting Chinese Australian History, aspects of Chinese culture, and contemporary arts by Chinese Australians. 

There are gallery and function spaces available for communities, corporate or individuals to stage their own events. 

An extensive education program is available to Victorian school children with over 25,000 children taking educational tours and workshops annually.