Sydney is set to become the home of New South Wales’ first museum dedicated to the history of Chinese people in Australia. The Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) will be a cultural centre and museum space that is dedicated to the discovery, preservation and promotion of the history of Chinese people in the country.
Plans for the museum were highlighted by City of Sydney officials on International Museum Day. “The museum will play an important role in promoting and sharing the story of Chinese settlers and their descendants, as well as understanding and celebrating their challenges, contributions and achievements,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“The Museum of Chinese in Australia will feature a gallery and exhibition space, programming activities, community spaces for meetings and events, an artist in residence program, a cafe and shop,” the Lord Mayor said.
The museum will occupy a Victorian-era three-story sandstone building on the edge of the city’s Chinatown in Haymarket, a building recently vacated by the suburb’s library. “Haymarket is the home of our city’s oldest and largest Chinatown, so it’s fitting that this is where we will create a centre for the preservation of our Chinese history,” Moore said.
It is the first time the property has been made available through the City’s accommodation grants program, which supports community, cultural, economic and sustainability-focused organisations by providing accommodation in City-owned buildings either rent-free or below-market rent.
MOCA will feature rotating exhibits, a collection of historic reference materials including books and journals, community spaces for meetings and events and a studio area for artistic programs. Guests to the attraction will also be able to visit an attached café and shop, and enjoy Chinese-Australian inspired baked goods.
