The Nicholson Museum

Entrance to the Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney

The Nicholson Museum at the University of Sydney is home to the largest collection of antiquities in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.

The museum was founded in 1860 as the result of the donation of over 1000 artefacts from Egypt and Europe by Sir Charles Nicholson, Chancellor of the University. Since this time the collection has been expanded though donations, bequests and archaeological excavations.

The collection spans the Mediterranean, the Near and Middle East, and Europe. There are great stories to be told and fascinating histories to be relived. From the intriguing to the macabre, Australia's oldest University museum gives a fascinating insight into the daily lives of past civilisations and into the minds of the archaeologists, collectors and curators who have made it all possible.

The Nicholson is now a favourite destination for visitors of all ages. Children are excited by seeing a real mummy; school students gain direct contact with material that fills their text books; and adults are enjoy being transported to different worlds without having to pack a bag or catch a plane.

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