New museum to open doors November 2020

The result of a 15-year strategy to unite the University’s artistic, cultural, scientific and historic collections, the Chau Chak Wing Museum will create an exciting new space for cultural dialogue and exploration. Bringing together the University’s Nicholson, Macleay and University Art collections under the one roof, the new museum will showcase thousands of precious and rare treasures together for the first time.

Opening to the public in November 2020 and situated opposite the historic Quadrangle buildings, the museum will be open every day of the week and is expected to bring the curious public, families and tourists to the Camperdown campus. A two-day public celebration will take place on the weekend following the opening, filled with free events including activities for children, engaging talks and performances.

The museum will launch an entirely new program of exhibitions, inviting audiences to get up close to some of Australia’s oldest natural history specimens and see the country through the eyes of world-renowned artists and First Nation Peoples, walk in the footsteps of an ancient Roman, Greek or Cypriot, and disappear into the tombs of ancient Egypt.

“The new museum will be at the major gateway to the University’s main campus, making it accessible and inviting to the public,” said David Ellis, Director, Museums and Cultural Engagement.

“I’m delighted we will have more room to display our precious and historically significant collections. Currently 99 percent of objects in the three collections aren’t visible due to space restrictions,” said David.

Throughout the year the museum will also host education programs of free talks, tours and workshops to expand the experience of visitors of all ages.

Through a new academic engagement program, the Chau Chak Wing Museum will encourage teaching staff to use collection objects and museum spaces in their classes. Specialised teaching spaces will offer hands-on, object-based learning experiences to students across all faculties and disciplines.

Exceptional facilities will also enable and inspire researchers in their use of objects, to think creatively, use new approaches, challenge previous understandings and deepen our knowledge.

The new museum is named after Dr Chau Chak Wing, the Chinese-Australian businessman and philanthropist whose generosity has helped to unite and bring to life our three collections.