Who could have imagined such diverse treasures residing together? Here at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, you’re standing at a crossroads of history, art, and nature. The Chau Chak Wing Museum isn’t just a museum. It’s a testament to the University of Sydney’s rich legacy and its commitment to sharing knowledge. Officially opened in November 2020, the Chau Chak Wing Museum houses three remarkable collections: the Nicholson Collection, the Macleay Collection, and the University Art Collection. This striking building, designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, triples the exhibition space previously available for these collections. Think about this: 70% of what you see here hasn’t been viewed by the public in over two decades. The museum’s namesake, Chau Chak Wing, a Chinese-Australian businessman, made a generous donation of $15 million towards its construction. Other key contributors include Penelope Seidler, the Ian Potter Foundation, and the Nelson Meers Foundation. Their generosity has allowed these incredible collections to be housed in this state-of-the-art facility.
The Chau Chak Wing Museum’s Nicholson Collection takes you on a journey through ancient cultures. Nearly 30,000 artifacts whisper stories of lives lived in the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, spanning from pre-Neolithic times to the late medieval period. Founded in 1860 by Sir Charles Nicholson, this collection anchors the Chau Chak Wing Museum’s exploration of ancient civilizations. Next, delve into Australia’s oldest natural history collection, the Macleay Collection. Here, you’ll encounter fascinating objects from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Pacific Islander cultures. Many items were collected during early scientific expeditions, including the historic Chevert voyage. The collection also showcases scientific instruments and apparatus, revealing the history of scientific practice in Australia. The museum’s Historic Photograph Collection documents life in Australia and the Pacific from the 1840s to the 1960s.
The Chau Chak Wing Museum is also home to the University Art Collection, with more than 8,000 pieces spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and ceramics. The collection’s strength lies in Australian painting, including Indigenous art, alongside notable European and Asian pieces. Sir Charles Nicholson, the founder of the Nicholson Collection, was also an early donor to the art collection, gifting around 30 European paintings, tapestries, and sculptures in 1865. As you explore the Chau Chak Wing Museum’s galleries, appreciate the Indigenous Australian design elements woven into the building and landscaping. In the forecourt, a replica of a pre-invasion Aboriginal petroglyph of two wallabies welcomes you. Inside, a prominent “Welcome to Country” in the Sydney language greets visitors in the foyer.
The Chau Chak Wing Museum isn’t just a static display. It’s a dynamic hub for research, teaching, and community engagement. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions and object-based learning programs, connecting the University of Sydney’s collections with students and the wider public. In 2021, the Chau Chak Wing Museum received prestigious accolades, including the Museums and Galleries National Award (MAGNA) and two Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards (MAPDA), showcasing its commitment to excellence. So, as you leave the Chau Chak Wing Museum, carry with you the stories and the knowledge gleaned within these walls. It’s a place where the past illuminates the present, offering a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of human history, creativity, and the natural world.