Burke Museum, Beechworth
Date Published
: Local historical
: Beechworth
: Burke.Museum@indigoshire.vic.gov.au
Burke Museum, Beechworth
Burke Museum, Beechworth
Located on Loch Street next to the Town Hall Gardens, the Burke Museum is open seven days a week, 10:00am to 4:30pm.
Entry
Adult: $8
Concession: $6
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $21
Indigo Shire residents: free
Main Hall
The heart of the original Athenaeum, our Main Hall still holds the original cabinets and collections from the 1860s and 1870s. The beloved bird and animal collection holds pride of place, alongside displays of rare shells and gemstones, and bound copies of Australia’s first ‘newspaper of record’, The Argus.
The Chinese community had a significant presence in Beechworth during the gold rush, boosting the town population by nearly a third. However, colonial prejudice saw them living on the outskirts of town, ruled by license checks and enforced regulations. The Chinese community collection reflects their history, particularly the involvement in local community affairs such as charities and festivals.
