GOLDEN DRAGON MUSEUM

Audio Guide

Full Transcript

Centre of Chinese Culture
Chinese immigrants have played a pivotal role in the history of Bendigo, and the Golden Dragon Museum is now at the epicentre of Chinese culture in Australia. The Museum, Yi Yooan Gardens and Guan Yin Temple are all situated in the Dai Gum San precinct. This cultural hub allows visitors to gain an authentic experience of the rich Chinese culture, history, and arts, and offers valuable insights into the significant contribution made by its people to the Bendigo community from the goldrush of the 1850s to the present day.
Opened in 1991, the museum was created to interpret, document, and preserve Chinese heritage in Australia. Its 30,000-object collection includes fascinating artefacts such as imperial dragons, processional regalia, and guardian lions, with many pieces holding national and international significance. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (and on Mondays during Victorian school holidays).
Grounds, Garden and Temple
The Golden Dragon Museum precinct, Dai Gum San, is decorated in the traditional Chinese style, featuring bright colours and ornate artwork. It is generally a place of quiet contemplation, learning and reflection. However, the museum’s forecourt hosts a whole range of events during the year and is especially popular when the Bendigo Chinese Association hosts its annual, free celebrations around Lunar New Year and Harvest Moon.
Within the Precinct lies the Yi Yooan Gardens (or Garden of Joy). These tranquil gardens are based on the Imperial Palace in Beijing and reflect the changing nature of the seasons. They incorporate elements of authentic Chinese construction and architecture and are perfect for a leisurely stroll or peaceful meditation. Listen for the wind whispering through the evergreen bamboo or hear the splash of waterfalls and fish in the ponds. Visitors often comment on the peace and serenity they feel when visiting the gardens.
The temple adds another element to the rich cultural experience on offer here. It is an active place of worship, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin. This deity has long been revered as a divine being of infinite compassion. Today people regularly visit here for religious purposes, to pray, leave offerings and burn incense.
Museum Highlights
Among the museum’s many treasures are three imperial processional dragons. Dragons are traditionally used in China to celebrate special occasions such as the Lunar New Year, cultural festivals, and other significant occasions. The southern Chinese city of Gwangzow (Canton) and its surrounding regions are home to a rich dragon parade tradition that Cantonese migrants brought with them to Bendigo in the nineteenth century.
Another outstanding piece within the museum’s collection is the Dragon Chariot of Ten Thousand Sages, which can be found on display in the Loong gallery. This magnificent ceremonial artifact is carved from deep green serpentine jade and is embellished with ornately carved Chinese symbols including 188 dragons, 18 phoenixes, 36 bats and 155 strands of beads. At 2.8 metres in height, 1.8 metres wide and with a length of over 3 metres, this stunning stone chariot weighs approximately 2.2 tonnes! Stone chariots, such as this one, were historically used on the grand birthdays of Emperors, Empresses and Empress Dowagers during the Qing dynasty. Ministers and officials would use this type of chariot to pay homage to Royal birthday celebrations.

Accessibility Information

Chinese history and heritage have been a core part of Bendigo since the gold rush. The Golden Dragon’s impressive cultural collection brings that history to life. Located in the Dai Gum San precinct the museum and Chinese Gardens are both accessible and serviced by disabled parking on Park Road near the Rosalind Park fernery garden.

There is an accessible entry just prior to the main set of steps over the levy. Inside the main foyer are the gift shop, tea rooms and an accessible toilet facility.

The museum is entered through a wide doorway. The main exhibition hall is circular showing off the dragon and display costumes. Around the lower level are a series of display rooms, all of which are easily accessed. The displays are mainly pictorial making them suitable for all cognitive levels and non-English speaking visitors.

A large doorway leads through to the exhibition hall housing an expansive collection of artefacts. The hall is well laid out making it easy to navigate by people using any form of mobility aid.

Outside the museum are the Chinese Gardens. The entry is ramped and concrete paths are throughout the garden. There is a ramp leading up to the pavilion at the end of the garden.

Within the precinct, there is also a Chinese temple with ramped access to the door. Wheelchair users cannot enter the building due to the Chinese Door Sill at the entrance.

Learn more about Golden Dragon Museum