Chau Chak Wing Museum — Attraction in Sydney

Excellent - and popular! Free! Not so popular, however, that you will miss out on an opportunity to look closely at exhibits, read interpretive notes and watch video displays at your leisure. The museum exhibits are so well laid out. Do not underestimate the time you will spend here taking-in so many wonderful items and displays - that you never knew were here in Sydney - carefully and intelligently curated.

The interpretative notes sometimes include information about how certain antiquities and specimens were originally obtained from the place of origin and how they came to the University of Sydney and eventually to this museum; in the context of museum acquisitions generally, particularly in the 19th Century and of ancient Egyptian artefacts. This insight is valuable, though not always comfortable from a 21st Century perspective.

Most impressive and new purpose-built building; that includes a tasteful museum (gift) store and a cafe with a tasty menu, open for all the hours of the museum. Maybe the connection with the University of Sydney has led to the museum (gift) store being a bit more substantial in content and relevant to displays; but even the trivialities are fun items.

The original brief review was written the second day of its opening, and it was crowded. Today, three and a half years later, and a wet Saturday afternoon in a wet week, provided a fine opportunity to take interior photographs to add to the review. I didn't change many words, as the very early first impression was something I largely wanted to keep. The photos give a indication of the treasures to see and why you should visit; without many more words to spoil the surprise of discovery when here.

Also, there are changing special exhibitions. A detailed account of the excellent early photography exhibit I saw today will probably not be relevant for all the time this review is up, but it is very likely that the special exhibitions will continue to be interesting and excellent.

I would also recommend, as I recommended in my review of the White Rabbit Gallery, that a wonderful weekend afternoon (very full: noon to 5 pm!) could be made up of a visit first to the Chau Chak Wing Museum and then a 15 minute walk to the White Rabbit Gallery. A memorable combined experience for free: the Gallery is also free.

Update 2/8/25. Special exhibitions have opened recently, most significantly a collection of 42 original paintings plus sketch books and sundry items of J. (John) W. Power, an Australian artist who - until now - has not received enough attention. This wonderfully curated exhibition is an important step in redressing the neglect; and would do credit to the Art Gallery of NSW if it were there (with an admission fee). This is free.

Complementing the exhibition of original artwork by J. W. Power on Level 3 (entry level), on Level 4 in the Ian Potter Gallery is a curated selection from the J. W. Power Collection that has acquired many artworks in accordance with his bequest, not often on display (together). The curation is directed by living Australian artists, accompanied by the reasons for their selections - great idea!

Unfortunately, a booklet to purchase has not been issued (yet) for these exhibitions.

The opening of these special exhibitions means that sadly some others have closed recently; but the display of contemporary artwork from Australian artists from Chinese diasporic communities, the "Kerameikos" newly created ceramics display, and also the "Max Dupain at the University of Sydney, Student Life" (19 photographs) are still open. Though the "mungari" exhibition was always short-term and has closed, throughout the museum remain the ("Ambassadors") indigenous culture special display. The interactive (by mobile phone) "Animal Tales" is over Levels 1 & 2.

Still open too is the "Dance Protest" display, which is part of a special feature exhibition series exploring the history of the island of Banaba in the South Pacific. There is a booklet available to purchase for this display.

Of course, the usual wonderful "core"...

I recently visited the Chau Chak Wing Museum and was thoroughly impressed! Located at the University of Sydney, this museum is a hidden gem that offers an incredible mix of history, art, and culture.

The museum houses a diverse collection ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts, classical antiquities, and Indigenous Australian art to contemporary art and scientific objects. The displays are thoughtfully curated, making it easy to navigate and learn about different themes and periods.

One of the highlights for me was the Nicholson Collection, which features fascinating archaeological artifacts, and the Macleay Collection, which offers a unique glimpse into the natural history of Australia and beyond. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that are fresh and engaging, catering to a wide variety of interests.

The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with spacious galleries and plenty of natural light that enhances the viewing experience. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible destination for anyone looking to explore art and history without breaking the bank.

The staff were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions or provide additional insights about the exhibits.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an educational and inspiring outing, this museum is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back to see future...

We happened to drive past on our way to Lunch and it appeared on my feed every so often so since we had nothing much to ado after lunch we decided to visit.

Access: via Sydney Uni Parramatta Gates Parking: on Weekends best as you can park on the Bus Lane with much ease and space. Time to visit: Probably on your way home as parking and foot traffic are relaxed and the cafe would be nice too as it’s just a coffee that winds your weekend down.

What I enjoyed was the outset - the modern architecture albeit rather than the collection.

The collection is quite vast and lacking substantial context. It’s a lot to be curated, packed and placed neatly, however, you get to see items from:

1.stuffed extinct animals, eggs post modernist, 3.painting collections on loan, space particles, a little bit on photography, 6.a modern interpretation of plastering Mummies Trinketts from the Silk Road Snapshot History of Cyprus, Assyria, China, Greece Lego Aboriginal art (too many it looked like a market) Books Whatever else I may have missed?

It’s too much too little on display, an ivory screw was on display, I get it - it’s archaeological, a piece of history, an artefact, an artwork - but it need not be this way, it isn’t large enough of a collection of one topic nor substantial enough on a topic if you group it.

The curating was lacking. It really was a nice place for minimalist decor- concrete is...