On the University of Sydney campus in Camperdown, Chau Chak Wing Museum brings art, science, natural history and ancient cultures together across four levels. Its collections include Egyptian antiquities, Greek and Roman objects, First Nations art, contemporary works and scientific specimens. Look for the Nicholson Collection’s archaeological material and the Macleay Collection’s natural history displays, then check what temporary exhibitions are on. Admission is free, and the spacious galleries have natural light. Set aside a few hours if you want to explore more than one collection.
Collections from across the university
The museum brings together collections built up at the University of Sydney over around 150 years. They span art, archaeology, history, natural history and science, so the galleries move between very different subjects. The range includes objects from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, First Nations art, contemporary works and scientific material.
The collections are larger than the space available for display. One account puts the total at nearly half a million objects, with only a small portion exhibited at a time. Temporary exhibitions bring additional subjects into the galleries, so the selection on view can change.
What to look for inside
The Nicholson Collection focuses on archaeology and includes material from ancient Egypt and the classical world. Egyptian displays include mummies and tomb objects. A sarcophagus more than 2,500 years old has been a particular point of interest for visitors.
The Macleay Collection gives the museum a natural history dimension. Elsewhere, displays bring First Nations works, contemporary art and scientific objects into the same museum. A gallery devoted to Indigenous artworks and the Ian Potter Gallery are among the spaces visitors have noted. The mix can place works from different cultures and periods close together, so take time to read the individual labels and see how each display is arranged.
The building and a campus visit
The museum occupies a purpose-built building on University Place, within the University of Sydney campus. It was designed by Frank Gehry, and its galleries are spacious, with natural light. The museum’s four levels give the university’s collections a public home rather than keeping them in separate campus collections.
Its campus location makes it possible to pair the museum with a walk around the university grounds. A cafe is also noted inside the museum, with a view over the surrounding campus. Admission to the museum is free; check the website for current exhibition and event details before setting out.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Chau Chak Wing Museum free to enter?
Yes. Admission is free.
How long should I spend at Chau Chak Wing Museum?
Allow a few hours to explore several levels and collections. A visit of around two to three hours is a reasonable plan.
What can you see at Chau Chak Wing Museum?
The collections include Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, First Nations art, contemporary works, natural history displays and scientific objects. Temporary exhibitions also take place.
Where is Chau Chak Wing Museum?
It is on University Place at the University of Sydney in Camperdown. Parramatta Road is the bus stop named for access to the museum.
