Gong Xi Fa Cai !
May the Year of the Snake bring you much happiness and prosperity!
In the midst of celebrations this year, we made a conscious effort to visit the Museum of Chinese Australian History in Melbourne Chinatown. Having walked past it multiple times and saying “maybe next time”, we finally decided to enter the museum to have a snoop. It was a good decision!
The entrance fee of $13.50 per adult is a small price to pay for the upkeep of the premises and to learn about Chinese history and the lives of early Chinese settlers in Victoria, during the gold rush era. Being a not for profit entity and run mainly by volunteers, the ticket costs go a long way to keep the museum going. The building is an impressive repository of Chinese Australian artefacts. The museum also conducts educational programs for primary and secondary schools. There is even a Chinese Museum Research Library made available for Museum Members.
The Museum comprises of 5 levels.
Level 3 – One Million Stories: Chinese Australians 200 Years
This level houses the celebratory exhibition showcasing the journeys of individuals, families & groups.
Level 2 – Han Dynasty: Life Everlasting
The Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) was a period marked by cultural & technological developments, economic wealth and territorial expansion. This exhibition presents the dynasty’s remarkable people, progressive ideas and scientific innovations.
Level 1 – Bendigo Bank Community Gallery
This level is used for temporary exhibitions, available for hire. When we were there, it was used to display art pieces.
Level Ground – Dragon Gallery
This is the home of the dragons seen once a year during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown. It houses all 3 generations of Melbourne’s processional Dragons. These processional objects symbolise the long standing presence and participation of the Chinese Community in Victoria.
Level Lower Ground – Finding Gold Exhibition
Be prepared for an immersive experience when at this level! Join in the travel adventures of the early Chinese settlers as they took 3 month long boat journeys from China to Victoria. Along the way, learn of the difficulties and social life of these immigrants as they sought to strike it rich in the gold fields. Sadly, many did not achieve their dreams but for those that stayed, fortune smiled on them as they set up shops and homes in the new land of Australia. There is a mock up of the Temple of Guan Gong and be entertained by Cantonese opera in the goldfields tent theatre.
We spent a good hour looking at the exhibits in the various levels and left with a deeper understanding of the struggles and aspirations of the settlers two hundred years ago.
It is well worth visiting this museum!
