Description
The Golden Dragon Museum is situated in the city of Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Chinese people who immigrated to the region. Built on the historical site of one of Bendigo's Chinatowns, the museum's precinct also includes Chinese Gardens and a temple to Kuan Yin. Through the museum accreditation program, it was the first accredited museum in Victoria.HistoryThe Golden Dragon Museum opened in 1991. The current site for the museum is the area of one of Bendigo's Chinatowns. The Bridge St Chinatown was the centre for Chinese activity in the region from the late 19th century to 1964. The old buildings of Chinatown were bulldozed by the city council to make room for a car park. It was in the 1980s that Russell Jack pushed forward his vision for a Chinese museum in the area. Once the funding was acquired, Harry Charalambous was chosen as the architect. His design incorporated Chinese symbolism and architecture with distinctly Australian materials like corrugated iron and red brick. In this way the building of the Golden Dragon Museum reflected the history of the Chinese of Bendigo.Chinese heritage constitutes a significant part of the town of Bendigo's cultural identity. The goldrush saw thousands of Chinese migrate to Bendigo in the latter half of the 19th century. Most of these people were young men from the Guangdong province. They were seeking greater economic opportunities for them and their families. Once they arrived in Bendigo the Chinese formed their own community and began raising money for charities. In the 1870s, the local Chinese were invited to take part in the annual Easter festival. The Chinese elders of the region raised money to purchase extravagant costumes and regalia for the event. These costumes form the basis of the museum's collection and are well preserved garments, made from silk and gold bullion thread.
4.20
Rated by 5 users
- Overview 83%
- Service 83%
- Pricing 83%
Reviews
This is a good inexpensive tourist attraction well worth a visit. Some very fine artifacts in the museum including the 3 Bendigo dragons, the oldest being over 100 years old. Some of the display cases need to be lighted better, very dull. The outside garden and temple are an added bonus although you could access these without charge.
Really nice attraction to check out when you had to the city centre. Recommend popping in and having a look. There's coy fish for the kids too!
Our expectations were much higher based on the ratings here. This place is a time capsule and could use some major updates. Very dark exhibits, jumbled artifacts as if too many for the space, silent and no music playing. Looks like a lot of history here and possibly more interesting with a guide, but not worth $24 for 2 adults as is. Our impression was that whoever runs it stopped caring long ago. Two stars for the gardens (which are free anyhow) and the humor factor of the old wax figures.
This place is so fascinating! Great for all ages too. We walked around the beautiful gardens, then went into the museum where a wonderful gentleman walked around with us (my 7 yo daughter and husband) and gave a tour! He was so knowledgeable in all the artifacts. Highly recommended stopping by if visiting Bendigo
I’m pretty sure one of the senior staff was about to head home. She decided to stay and give myself and a few others a personal tour of the museum. Unreal history everywhere in this place, and 3 amazing ceremonial dragons, one of which is over 100 years old. $12 entry. Worth every penny twice over. Highlight: the jade chariot.
