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

Harrietville Chinese Village Archaeological Expedition 2021

A rare opportunity to join an archeological dig expedition in Harrietville Chinese Gold Miners Village in October 2021.
Under the White Clouds: Xu Fei, Bronze, 2019

Under the White Clouds, a bronze sculpture by artist Xue Fei, has been gifted to the State of Victoria and the Chinese Museum on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the State of Victoria and Jiangsu Provincial Government of China.
Poona – Roshelle Fong & Keziah Warner

Co-hosted with Next Wave Festival 2020, we are thrilled to announce the presentation of Poona by artists Roshelle Fong & Keziah Warner, showing from 11 May 2021 at the Chinese Museum.
Unveiling of our new sculpture: Under the White Clouds

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Victoria – Jiangsu sister-state relationship in 2019, the State Government of Victoria and Jiangsu Provincial Government supported a reciprocal artist-in-residence program, and Professor Xu Fei created this beautiful bronze sculpture.

Painted: The Immigrants' Self Portrait

‘Painted: The Immigrants' Self Portrait’ is an art and documentary series featuring immigrant families that uses the process of portraiture to explore the diaspora and definition of home for immigrant families.
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!
LOCATION & OPENING HOURS

We are thrilled to re-open our doors again 10am-4pm, everyday. Closed Public Holidays. Located at 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne, VIC Australia 3000.
Digital Cultural Adventures: Ancient China and Amazing Inventions

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.
Year of the Ox Merch - Hurry whilst stocks last!

Our new Year of the Ox merch is now available in our giftshop, but hurry, only whilst stocks last!
Gold Rush Collection

Chinese Museum Collections about the Gold Rush era in Australia
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.
Under the White Clouds: Xu Fei, Bronze, 2019

Under the White Clouds, a bronze sculpture by artist Xue Fei, has been gifted to the State of Victoria and the Chinese Museum on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the State of Victoria and Jiangsu Provincial Government of China.
Research

One important role of the Museum is in fostering a research community interested in Chinese-Australian history and heritage in Australia. We do this by hosting and participating in conferences, seminars and workshops, providing research resources, and through engagements with the research communities. The Museum maintains a research library (hyperlink Research Library) and archive. We also undertake in-house research to further understand our collection and as part of the development of exhibiti
Building Redevelopment Fundraising Dinner

The Chinese Museum invites you to a fundraising dinner that launches the redevelopment of the Museum building.