Australia’s first museum dedicated to Vietnamese culture and heritage is now open in Melbourne’s west. Located in Sunshine, this new landmark shares the stories, traditions and contributions of Australia’s Vietnamese community. Vietnamese Museum Australia is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and it’s less than five minutes away from Sunshine Station.
Vietnamese Museum Australia
This three-storey museum features a permanent exhibition that explores the history that led to the displacement of Vietnamese refugees in 1975. Trace the path that many refugees took to reach Australia on the Journey Walk, and learn about the perilous voyages that they took on crowded and unsafe boats. Then, chart their settlement in Australia, and their achievements over the generations. These stories are brought to life through video, photography, interactive displays and artefacts.
“When our families fled Vietnam, they could never have imagined that one day there would be a museum in Australia telling their stories,” said Tammy Nguyen, Chief Executive Officer of Vietnamese Museum Australia. “Many arrived with very little, having left behind their homes, their loved ones and everything they knew. Fifty years later, we have built a place that honours their journey, celebrates what they have contributed to this country, and ensures future generations understand how we came to be here.”
The building was designed by Konzepte Melbourne, and features tall red panels on the outside that rise like bamboo, and evokes ocean waves, reflecting Vietnamese culture and the journey by sea. The red hues also connects to the red earth of Australia.
At the entrance, you’ll also find the new Wominjeka Plaza, a public space which honours the Traditional Honours and celebrates all refugee and multicultural communities in Brimbank City Council. The plaza acts as a forecourt to the museum, and also connects it to RT Pollard Gardens.
“We want people from all walks of life to visit, to discover stories they may never have heard before, and to experience the Vietnamese culture and community that has become such an important part of Melbourne’s west,” said Nguyen. “This is not just Vietnamese history. It is Australian history.”
What else can you do?
After visiting the museum, explore the nearby gardens, and dive into Sunshine’s local dining scene. Around 17 per cent of residents in Brimbank City Council have Vietnamese heritage, making it one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the country. So, you can expect plenty of delicious food, including pho, bánh mì, spicy bún bò huế, Vietnamese iced coffee and more.
This new landmark is a part of Multicultural Museums Victoria. If you’re keen for even more culture, check out one of its other venues, including the Jewish Museum of Australia, the Chinese Museum, Museo Italiano, Hellenic Museum, Islamic Museum of Australia and the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo.
Key details:
📅Tuesday to Saturday
🕒10am to 4pm
🎫$16 for adults, $14 concession and $12 for students. Kids under 6 are free.
📍119 Durham Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020
Plan your visit here.
