Chinese Museum

The Chinese Museum is a five-story building in Melbourne housing over 8,000 objects that document the history of Chinese people in Australia starting from 1850. The collection includes personal belongings, documents, and artworks that record this long presence across generations.

The building was constructed in 1890 by the Cohen Brothers as a furniture warehouse and later served as storage for theater costumes. Decades later, it was transformed into a museum to preserve Chinese history in Australia.

The museum displays how Chinese communities have shaped Australian society over more than 150 years through their contributions to daily life and work. Visitors encounter these influences through everyday objects and personal stories that reveal deep connections between cultures.

The museum is located in Chinatown and doubles as a visitor center with guided tours and educational programs available throughout the week. You can explore the exhibitions at your own pace or join organized tours to learn more about individual objects and stories.

The Dragon Gallery holds the Dai Loong, the world's largest processional Chinese dragon used in celebrations and parades. This impressive creation reveals how traditional symbols remain important in Australia's multicultural present.