Discover the collection
The Burke Museum is one of the oldest in Australia. We’re proudly known as a “museum of museums”, with a collection of over 30,000 items.
Our building first opened in 1857 as the Beechworth Athenaeum, but the institution was renamed the Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum in 1863, in memory of Beechworth’s first Superintendent of Police and tragic hero of the Burke and Wills expedition.
Natural History
The Burke Museum was established when the pursuit of scientific knowledge through the collection of natural specimens was most popular. Birds, rocks and shells from across Australia and around the globe were brought to Beechworth for education and amazement.
Gold Rush Beechworth
The discovery of gold at Beechworth in 1852 changed the course of history for the region and spurred on the dramatic development of the town. The Museum’s Gold Collection presents the rushes in the area, including Spring Creek, Pennyweight Flat, Woolshed, Nine Mile and Three Mile – with tools, claims and relics of domestic life on the diggings.
Chinese Community
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.
Victorian Collections
We’re gradually building up our online collection through Victorian Collections, a digital project that brings together museums and galleries statewide. Search here for high quality images and key details from an ever-growing sample of our collection.
Donating to the Museum
The Museum welcomes offers of donations to our collection, to help add to the layers of history it reflects. Please fill out this online offer form, and a member of the Museum’s curatorial team will be in touch with you as soon as possible to discuss the details.