Events 活動

The Chinese ‘nao’ bell is believed to be one of the earliest forms of bell produced in the world. These ancient bells, often made from bronze are now particularly rare, with only a few of the earliest examples still in existence. Due to their significance and fragility, these historic bells are unable to be rung or heard. Today it is through replicas that we can experience the music of these bells.

The replica bells featured in this exhibition were created by local researcher and bell maker Dr. Anton Hasell through his company Australian Bell and are a result of decades of study into traditional bell construction methods and exploring how to integrate these practices with modern materials and technologies. His research has particularly focused on the form of the elliptical bell and its sound mechanism, using modern technologies to improve the musicality of this bell form, and bringing this ancient musical tradition into the modern world.

Learn more about these wonderful bells and their fascinating history as you also enjoy their sounds and melodious tones.

Wednesday 22 October
6.00 – 7.00pm
Golden Dragon Museum

In January 2024, the Copland Foundation provided a grant to conserve a Chinese Southern Dancing Lion costume, composed of a head and body, dating from 1920s-1930s. This costume is very special as it is believed to be the second oldest Southern Lion head in Australia. However, given its completeness (head and body) it is almost certainly the oldest complete Southern Lion costume in the country.

Months of meticulous conservation was undertaken by Grimwade Conservation Services, University of Melbourne. The team at Grimwade is acknowledged as one of the finest and most skilled conservation laboratories in the world and the Museum is proud to have a strong association with them as they helped to deliver the multi-award winning Loong Conservation Project in 2022.

Join Dr Holly Jones-Amin, Senior Conservator – Team Leader Objects, Textiles and Archaeology, as she takes you through the transformation of the costume and explains the extraordinary work her and her colleagues have undertaken to conserve this rare and special object for generations to come. There will also be an opportunity to see the head and costume which has never been on public view before and not seen generally since the 1960s.

This project was supported by the Copland Foundation.

Tickets via Eventbrite
Adult: $15
Conc. (including BCA members) $12

As the Gardens burst out from their Winter dormancy, the weeping flowering cherry tree is a stunning herald of the joys of the new season and of the warmer months to come. Feed the fish (Fish food is available from the Museum) or just enjoy the wonderful peace and tranquillity of these traditional Chinese Gardens.

Open: Tuesday -Sunday 9.30am – 4.30pm

(Mondays 9.30am – 4.30pm during Victorian school holidays)

Admission free.

In Highly Commending the Project, the judges at the recent Awards recognised this in their citation:

The judges commended this project as a remarkable two-year initiative that brings new life to the museum’s significant collection, particularly important to the Chinese community in Australia. By prioritising collection redevelopment and access, the museum has shown impressive innovation, despite limited funding. It not only enhances the preservation of cultural history but also engages interns and students, ensuring that its positive impact will be felt for years to come.

The Museum thanks the City of Greater Bendigo and Helen Macpherson Smith Trust for their support of this Project.