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| Chinatown |
Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia, has a long
history. Today it extends along Little Bourke Street between Swanston St
and Spring St. The Chinese Museum, established in 1985, is located in
the heart of Chinatown, behind Her Majesty’s Theatre. It showcases
Australia’s 200-year Chinese history told through artifacts as well as
the story of recent arrivals from all parts of the Asia Pacific region
since the 1950s. The Chinese community are such an integral part of the
Australian cultural landscape that it is appropriate that this
fascinating Museum exists in Melbourne.
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| Chinese Tea House |
On a recent visit to Melbourne I was delighted to
discover the Chinese Museum’s five floors showcasing the heritage and
culture of Australia's Chinese community. A lift is available for going
from floor to floor. The museum has many permanent and temporary
exhibitions highlighting Melbourne's Chinatown history, Chinese
Australian artifacts, and Chinese identity. It also hosts cultural
workshops and annual Chinese festivities.
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| Finding Gold |
I was given an easy-to-follow self guided tour
instruction sheet to help me in my explore the museum. I was impressed
with the interactive “Finding Gold” experience on the lower ground
floor, which had walk through displays of a ship, mines and housing. The
visual representations and audio commentary highlighted the experience
of Chinese gold miners.
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| Embroidery |
I spent a lot of time in the “Gallery of Chinese
Australian History” on level 3, looking at all the photos, artifacts and
a fascinating selection of vintage cartoons from
late 19th century newspapers.
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| Dai Loong Dragon Tail |
I then went down to the “Bridges of Memories”
exhibition on level 2, where I read the
stories of ethnic Chinese people who came to Australia to escape
persecution in other Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia,
Cambodia, Vietnam and East Timor. They migrated to Australia and found
safety and security in living here. They prospered and have
become a vital part of the social and economic life of this country. It
is estimated that 700,000 Australian have Chinese ancestry.
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| Chinese Urn |
The Dragon Gallery displaying
three generations of Chinese
dragons. I saw the colorful Millennium Dai Loong Dragon on display in
the museum, where it is housed when not
involved in a street procession. Dai Loong is unique in that it is the
largest Chinese dragon in the world. It is so long that it requires 200
people to move it. The head itself weighs nearly 200 kgs. The Dai Loong
Dragon was commissioned
from the Foshan Arts Institute China in 2002 with its first parade
during Chinese New Year in 2003.
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| Old Chinese Sign |
The Chinese Museum is housed in a historic warehouse
building, built in 1890 by the Cohen Bros firm of furniture
manufacturers. This building has also been used to store props and
costumes for Her Majesty’s Theatre.
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| Dragon Head |
The Chinese Museum is also home to the Chinatown
Visitor Centre, which runs audio and heritage tours of Chinatown. Entry
to the visitor centre is free, so drop in to browse the historical
displays and exotic souvenirs for sale in the gift shop.
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| Chinese Museum |
Location: 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne Vic 3000
Opening hours: Open 7 Days 10am - 5pm
Phone: (03) 9662 288
Visitor Centre Entry: Free.
Museum Entry: Adult $8.00, Child/Conc. $6.00. Family pass available.
Website:
www.chinesemuseum.com.au
Email:
info@chinesemuseum.com.au
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